The legality of leaving your pet chained or tethered outside in New York depends on where you live in the state, as laws vary between New York City, other local jurisdictions, and the state as a whole.
Statewide Law: No Blanket Ban, But Regulations Apply
As of April 2025, New York State does not have a comprehensive law that outright bans chaining or tethering dogs outside at all times. Tethering or chaining a dog is generally legal statewide, but there are regulations in place to protect animals from harm and neglect. Breaking these regulations can result in fines or, in severe cases, animal cruelty charges.
- No Statewide Time Limit: Unlike some other states, New York does not set a maximum number of hours a dog can be tethered statewide.
- Protection from Cruelty: Tethering under cruel or inhumane conditions—such as in dangerous weather, without adequate food, water, or shelter, or in a way that causes injury—can be prosecuted under animal cruelty laws.
- Pending Legislation: Bills have been repeatedly introduced in the New York State Assembly (such as A630 and A165 in 2025) to restrict or ban outdoor tethering, especially during nighttime hours or extreme weather, but as of now, these have not become law.
New York City: Stricter Tethering Rules
In New York City, the law is much more specific:
- Maximum Time: It is illegal to tether, chain, or tie a dog to a stationary object outdoors for more than three continuous hours in any twelve-hour period.
- Equipment Requirements: Any tether used must have swivels at both ends, be of adequate length, and not be a choke or pinch collar, or have weights attached.
- Basic Care: Tethered animals must have access to adequate food, water, and shelter. Tethering is not allowed if it puts the animal at risk of entanglement, strangulation, or injury.
- Penalties: Violations can result in fines up to $250 for a first offense, and up to $500 or even jail time for repeat offenses.
Local Ordinances: Additional Restrictions
Many counties and municipalities in New York have their own tethering laws, often stricter than state law. For example, in Ulster County:
- Time Limits: Dogs cannot be tethered outside for more than five consecutive hours or more than ten hours total in a 24-hour period, and not at all between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Weather Restrictions: Tethering is prohibited during extreme weather or weather alerts, and dogs must have access to shelter, food, water, and dry ground.
- Other Protections: Tethering is banned for puppies under six months, nursing females, and sick or injured dogs. Dogs must not be tethered in a way that exposes them to cruelty or inhumane conditions.
Summary Table: Tethering Laws in New York
| Location | Is Tethering Legal? | Time Limits | Shelter/Food/Water Required? | Weather Restrictions | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Yes, with restrictions | No statewide limit | Yes | Cruelty laws apply | Fines, cruelty charges |
| New York City | Yes, max 3 hrs/12 hrs | 3 hours | Yes | Yes | Fines, jail for repeat |
| Ulster County | Yes, strict limits | 5 hrs/10 hrs, none overnight | Yes | Yes | Fines |
What’s Changing?
- Legislative Efforts: There is growing momentum to strengthen statewide protections, with new bills introduced in 2025 to ban or further restrict tethering, especially during nighttime and dangerous weather.
- Local Action: Many advocates urge New York to follow the lead of other states that have enacted comprehensive anti-tethering laws.
Bottom Line
- It is not outright illegal to leave your pet chained outside in New York State, but there are important restrictions and requirements, especially in New York City and some counties.
- Tethering must not be cruel, inhumane, or put the animal at risk. Violations can result in fines, criminal charges, or both.
- Always check your local ordinances, as they may be stricter than state law.
If you’re unsure about the rules in your area, consult your local animal control or city government for the most up-to-date information.
Sources:
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-new-york-city-new-york/
- https://www.speciesunite.com/chained-dogs-petition
- https://dogtime.com/reference/106614-new-york-dog-animal-cruelty-law-dog-chain
- https://ecode360.com/29552286
- https://legiscan.com/NY/text/A00165/id/3035503