Rhode Island law does not completely ban tethering or chaining dogs outside, but it does set clear restrictions and requirements to protect animal welfare.
- Definition: Tethering means fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake by a chain, rope, or other device to keep the dog in a particular area.
- General Rule: It is not illegal to leave your dog chained or tethered outside, but the law regulates how and when it can be done to prevent cruelty and neglect.
Key Statewide Requirements
- The tether must be humane and not cause injury or undue stress to the animal.
- The weight of the tether must not exceed one-eighth of the dog’s body weight.
- The dog must have continuous access to clean water and appropriate shelter.
- Tethering a dog in a way that endangers its health, safety, or well-being is considered animal cruelty and is illegal.
- Local animal control officers are empowered to investigate and enforce tethering laws.
Local Ordinances: Example from Providence
Some Rhode Island cities, like Providence, have stricter rules:
- In Providence, no dog may be tethered for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Dogs cannot be confined in a pen, cage, or other outdoor structure for more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Exceptions exist for medical reasons or with written authorization from animal control.
Penalties
Violating Rhode Island’s animal cruelty or tethering laws can result in:
- Fines (recent proposals suggest raising minimum fines to $1,000 or more for abuse or neglect).
- Possible imprisonment for severe or repeated offenses.
Summary Table
| Situation | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tethering outside for short periods | Yes, if humane | Must follow tether weight, shelter, and welfare rules |
| Tethering that causes harm or distress | No | Considered animal cruelty, subject to penalties |
| Tethering >10 hours/day (Providence) | No | Local law; check your city/town for similar restrictions |
| No shelter, water, or in extreme weather | No | Must provide adequate shelter and water at all times |
Bottom Line
It is not outright illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Rhode Island, but strict rules apply:
- The tether must be humane and not too heavy.
- The animal must always have shelter and water.
- Local ordinances may be stricter (e.g., Providence’s 10-hour limit).
- Causing harm, distress, or neglect through tethering is illegal and can result in significant fines or criminal charges.
Always check your local city or town ordinances in addition to state law to ensure compliance.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/SenateText25/S0550.pdf
- https://legiscan.com/RI/text/S0928/id/3193208/Rhode_Island-2025-S0928-Introduced.pdf
- https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ri-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws