Utah state law does not make it outright illegal to leave your pet chained or tethered outside, but it does set clear restrictions intended to protect animal welfare. According to Utah Code and Senate Bill 92:
- It is illegal to tether a dog for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Tethering is prohibited if it causes harm to the dog.
- The law defines a tether and specifies that animal cruelty statutes apply if the tethering endangers or injures the animal.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Some Areas
Some cities and counties in Utah have stricter regulations than the state law. Here are a few examples:
Salt Lake City
- It is unlawful to chain, stake out, or tether any dog on unenclosed premises in a way that allows the animal to go beyond the property line.
- Dogs cannot be tethered in a way that causes injury or restricts their movement to the point of endangerment.
- Tethering is limited to no more than one hour in any eight-hour period.
Salt Lake County
- A county ordinance allows tethering for up to 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Requirements include providing adequate shelter, food, and water, especially in extreme weather.
South Salt Lake
- It is unlawful to chain or tether an animal outside for more than six consecutive hours per day unless the animal has adequate shelter, food, and water.
- In no case can an animal be chained or tethered outdoors for more than 10 consecutive hours per day.
Ogden
- Tethering is only allowed if specific humane conditions are met (proper collar, length, weight, age, health, and shelter).
- Maximum tethering is 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
Key Requirements for Legal Tethering
Regardless of location, tethering must not cause harm, and the animal must have:
- Adequate space
- Access to food, water, and shelter
- A tether that does not cause injury or excessive restriction
Sources:
- https://le.utah.gov/~2013/bills/sbillint/SB0092.htm
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/south-salt-lake-utah/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/ogden-utah/
- https://awionline.org/content/including-pets-domestic-violence-protection-orders-utah