In Connecticut, tethering or chaining a dog to a stationary object outdoors is regulated by specific laws designed to protect the welfare of pets. According to Connecticut General Statutes § 22-350a, it is illegal to tether a dog to a stationary object or mobile device if certain conditions are not met, emphasizing the importance of the dog’s safety and well-being.
Key Provisions of the Law
Connecticut law prohibits chaining a dog in ways that:
Do not allow the dog to move at least eight feet in any one direction, excluding the dog’s body length from nose to tail base.
Use improper equipment such as coat hangers, choke collars, prong-type collars, or unapproved devices.
Employ a tether with weights or a chain thicker than one-quarter inch.
Allow the dog to reach hazards such as windowsills, pools, roads, or any objects that could injure or strangle the animal.
Fail to provide potable water to the dog at least twice in every 24-hour period.
The tether must also be designed specifically for dogs, and no tether or chain can weigh more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight. Dogs younger than six months cannot be tethered outside at all.
Weather-Related Restrictions
The law includes specific provisions for adverse weather conditions. When a weather advisory or warning is issued by the National Weather Service, or if conditions such as extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or hail pose a health or safety risk to the dog, tethering outside is limited to no more than 15 minutes unless the owner is present outside with the dog.
Penalties for Violation
Anyone found violating tethering laws may face escalating fines:
First offense: $100 fine plus court costs
Second offense: $250 fine plus court costs
Third or subsequent offenses: fines between $250 and $500 plus court costs
The law aims to deter neglectful or harmful tethering practices and ensure dogs receive appropriate care and protection.
Other Relevant Animal Welfare Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut’s anti-cruelty statutes further support animal welfare by prohibiting neglect, including failure to provide necessary sustenance, shelter, or protection from harm. Leaving a pet chained in hazardous conditions or for unreasonable periods can be considered animal cruelty under these laws.
In summary, it is illegal in Connecticut to leave a dog chained or tethered outside in a way that limits its movement, causes harm, or exposes it to extreme weather conditions without proper oversight. The law sets clear standards for tether length, equipment, water provision, and weather protections to ensure humane treatment of pets. Violations can lead to fines, emphasizing the state’s commitment to animal welfare and public safety.
Sources
(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
(https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-22/chapter-435/section-22-350a/)
(https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/what-do-if-you-see-pet-left-outside-cold-weather)
(https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/SUM/PDF/2022SUM00059-R02HB-05170-SUM.PDF)
(https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ct-dog-consolidated-dog-laws)
