Oklahoma does not have a single statewide law that outright bans chaining or tethering pets outside, but there are important restrictions and local ordinances that pet owners must follow.
Statewide Proposed Legislation (HB 1580):
- House Bill 1580, which has been proposed but not yet passed, would prohibit chaining or tethering a dog for more than 5 hours in a 24-hour period, with exceptions for brief periods of 15 minutes or less.
- The bill also bans leaving dogs outside during weather advisories or extreme weather conditions, and requires that tethers be appropriate for the dog’s size and not cause harm5.
- While HB 1580 has not become statewide law yet, it reflects growing efforts to regulate outdoor tethering in Oklahoma.
Local Ordinances:
- Many cities in Oklahoma have their own, often stricter, regulations:
- Norman: It is illegal to keep a dog or cat tethered outside unless the animal is continually supervised. Tethering with chains or prong collars is prohibited, and unsupervised tethering is not allowed when the temperature is outside 35–85°F.
- Lawton: It is unlawful to fasten, chain, or tie any dog at any time, even on the owner’s property.
- General Animal Cruelty Laws:
- Oklahoma, like all states, prohibits animal cruelty. Chaining or tethering a pet in a way that endangers its health or well-being, such as leaving it exposed to extreme weather or in filthy conditions, can result in cruelty charges.
Summary Table: Key Points
| Rule/Area | Statewide (Proposed) | Norman, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tethering time limit | 5 hrs/24 hrs (proposed) | Only if supervised | Prohibited |
| Extreme weather | Prohibited (proposed) | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Type of tether | Must be appropriate | No chains/prong collars | N/A |
| Supervision required | Not specified | Yes | N/A |
| Animal cruelty applies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bottom Line
- In many Oklahoma cities, it is illegal to leave your pet chained or tethered outside unattended, and doing so can result in fines or animal cruelty charges.
- Statewide, there are proposed but not yet enacted laws that would further restrict tethering.
- Always check your local city or county ordinances, as they may be stricter than state law.
Sources:
- https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1274921
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/norman-oklahoma/
- https://www.animalleague.org/blog/advice/pet-legal-advice/laws-on-what-animal-control-can-and-cannot-do/
- https://www.nhes.org/oklahoma-is-advocating-for-tethered-dogs/