As of May 2025, Wisconsin does not have a statewide law that completely bans leaving your pet, such as a dog, chained or tethered outside. However, general animal neglect and cruelty laws still apply.
These require that animals must have access to adequate shelter, food, water, and protection from the elements. Leaving a pet chained outside in a way that endangers its health or safety, especially in extreme weather, can be prosecuted as neglect or cruelty under existing statutes.
Proposed Legislation: Stricter Rules Under Consideration
In 2020, Wisconsin legislators introduced Senate Bill 675 (SB 675), which would significantly tighten regulations on outdoor tethering and shelter for dogs. If passed, this bill would:
- Limit outdoor tethering to no more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Prohibit tethering in extreme weather or unsafe/unsanitary conditions.
- Require that a responsible person be on or near the property where the dog is tethered.
- Mandate that tethers be at least 12 feet or four times the length of the dog, and weigh no more than 15% of the dog’s body weight.
- Forbid tethering puppies under five months, sick, pregnant, or nursing dogs, and dangerous or vicious dogs.
- Require specific shelter standards, including weatherproofing, shade, and enough space for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
As of now, SB 675 has not become law, but it reflects a growing push for stricter animal welfare standards in Wisconsin.
Local Ordinances: Rules May Vary by City or County
Some Wisconsin municipalities have their own tethering and chaining ordinances. For example:
- Linn, Wisconsin: Dogs may be tethered for no more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. Tethers must be at least 10 feet long and weigh no more than 1/8 of the dog’s body weight, and must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness.
- Berlin, Wisconsin: Similar requirements exist, including minimum tether length, maximum weight, and proper collar/harness use. Choke or prong collars are not allowed for tethering.
Always check your local city or county ordinances, as regulations can be stricter than state law.
Key Takeaways
- It is not outright illegal statewide to leave your pet chained outside in Wisconsin, but you must provide adequate shelter and care, and avoid neglect or cruelty.
- Proposed laws may soon limit tethering to 10 hours per day and impose strict shelter and care requirements.
- Local ordinances may already have specific rules, so check with your municipality.
- Leaving a pet chained outside in unsafe, unsanitary, or extreme weather conditions can still result in animal cruelty charges under current law.
While you can legally tether a dog outside in Wisconsin under current law, you must meet basic welfare standards.
Proposed legislation and some local ordinances are moving toward much stricter rules, so always ensure your pet’s safety, shelter, and well-being-and check local requirements to stay compliant.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/wisconsin-legislator-seeks-to-ban-outdoor-dogs/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/linn-wisconsin/
- https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2019/related/proposals/sb675