It is not strictly illegal to tether or chain your pet outside in Indiana, but there are strong regulations and animal cruelty laws that govern how and when you may do so.
Neglect Law: Indiana defines “neglect” as restraining an animal for more than a brief period in a manner that endangers the animal’s life or health using a rope, chain, or tether. This includes situations where the tether:
Is less than three times the length of the animal.
Is heavy enough to restrict movement.
Causes the animal to choke or poses any risk of injury.
Endangerment: If a pet is chained in a way that seriously endangers its life or health, this can qualify as animal cruelty, which is a criminal offense.
City and County Specific Ordinances
Local ordinances in Indiana often provide stricter regulations or additional requirements. For example:
Indianapolis/Marion County:
It is unlawful to tether any animal using a choke, prong, or chain directly attached to its neck, or a leash less than 12 feet long.
Dogs may not be tethered between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and must be brought indoors during temperature extremes (below 20°F or above 90°F) or if severe weather warnings are active.
Tethered animals must always have access to water, shelter, and dry ground, and cannot be tethered in a way that restricts free movement or causes harm.
Other Towns (Example: Noblesville, Tipton, Fort Wayne, Putnam County):
Tethering between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is typically unlawful.
Dogs must not be tethered in a way where they can be entangled or left without adequate shelter.
Chains or tethers must not exceed one-eighth of the animal’s body weight and must be at least six feet in length (or longer, per some local codes).
Extreme Weather Conditions
It is considered animal cruelty to leave pets chained outside in extreme temperatures (hot or cold) without providing adequate food, water, and shelter. Owners must bring pets inside or into a temperature-controlled area when temperatures are dangerously high or low, or during hazard weather warnings.
Penalties
What Indiana Pet Owners Should Do
Never leave your pet chained outside for long periods or in harsh weather.
Ensure any tether used is light, at least three times the dog’s length, and attached to a properly fitted harness (never a choke or prong collar).
Always provide continuous access to water and shelter.
Check your local city or county code for additional restrictions, as many areas in Indiana have regulations that go beyond the state minimum.
Leaving a pet chained outside in Indiana is legal only if done humanely and safely. Inhumane tethering that endangers the animal’s well-being is illegal statewide and even more strictly regulated in many towns. Owners must follow all local rules and prioritize their pet’s health and safety at all times.
Sources
[1] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[2] https://dogtime.com/reference/106544-indiana-animal-cruelty-law-dog-chain
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/statute/cruelty-consolidated-cruelty-statutes
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/indiana/indianapolis-and-marion-county-indiana/
[5] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/noblesville/latest/noblesville_in/0-0-0-78539
