New York’s laws on chaining or tethering pets outside are complex, varying significantly between New York City, some counties, and the state as a whole. Here’s a comprehensive look at what is and isn’t legal, and what pet owners need to know.
Statewide Law: No Blanket Statewide Ban
Currently, New York State does not have a comprehensive statewide law that outright bans leaving dogs chained or tethered outside at all times. As of early 2025, New York is one of 27 states where it remains technically legal to keep dogs tied up outside full-time, unless local ordinances say otherwise.
There have been repeated efforts in the State Assembly to pass laws restricting this practice-such as Assembly Bill A381 and A630, which would prohibit tethering dogs outdoors between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.-but as of now, these have not become law.
Local Laws: New York City
In New York City, the law is much stricter. Under New York City Health Code § 17-197:
- Time Limit: No person may tether, leash, fasten, chain, or tie an animal to a stationary object outdoors for more than three continuous hours in any twelve-hour period.
- Care Requirements: During the allowed tethering period, the animal must have adequate food, water, and shelter. The restraint device must have swivels at both ends and be of appropriate length and design for the animal’s size.
- Prohibited Devices: Choke collars, pinch collars, tethers with weights, or those likely to cause entanglement or injury are banned. The tether cannot allow the animal to leave the owner’s property or put the animal at risk of strangulation.
- Penalties: First-time violators may receive a written warning (if the animal is unharmed) or a fine up to $250. Repeat offenses within a year can result in a class B misdemeanor, fines up to $500, or up to three months in jail, plus additional civil penalties.
Local Laws: Other Jurisdictions (Example: Ulster County)
Some counties and towns have enacted their own tethering laws. For example, in Ulster County:
- Time Limits: Dogs may not be tethered for more than five consecutive hours in a 24-hour period or for a total of more than 10 hours in a day. Tethering is also prohibited from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Weather Restrictions: Tethering is banned during weather alerts or when conditions (such as extreme heat or cold) pose a risk to the dog’s health, based on the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale.
- Care and Shelter: Dogs must have access to shade, food, water, shelter, and dry ground. The shelter must meet specific standards, including being enclosed on all sides but one, with clean bedding and protection from the elements.
- Health and Safety: Tethering is prohibited for puppies under six months, nursing females, sick, injured, or pregnant dogs, or any dog whose health would be worsened by tethering.
- Cruel Conditions: Tethering under cruel or inhumane conditions-such as exposure to waste, garbage, taunting, or dangerous situations-is explicitly banned.
Enforcement and Penalties
Enforcement is carried out by animal control officers, police, and designated agents. Penalties for violations can include fines, misdemeanor charges, and, in severe cases, seizure of the animal.
Why These Laws Exist
Long-term or improper tethering is widely recognized as harmful to dogs, causing psychological distress, aggression, and physical injuries. Dogs left chained for extended periods are also at risk of neglect, inadequate shelter, and exposure to dangerous weather.
JurisdictionMax Tether TimeNighttime BanShelter/Food/Water RequiredWeather RestrictionsPenalties…