While Missouri does not have a statewide ban on chaining or tethering pets outside, there are several local ordinances that regulate the practice to ensure animals’ safety and well-being. Animal cruelty laws can still apply if a pet is left in unsafe or inhumane conditions. This guide highlights local regulations in Missouri cities and counties and the legal implications of improper tethering.
Local Ordinances on Tethering Pets
St. Louis
Tethering Limit:
Pets cannot be tethered outdoors for more than 10 continuous hours or a total of 12 hours within a 24-hour period.
Tether Requirements:
- Pets must be tethered using a properly fitting collar or harness.
- The tether must be at least 15 feet long, with swivels at both ends to prevent tangling.
Conditions:
Pets must have access to food, clean water, and appropriate shelter. Tethering in unsafe or unsanitary conditions is strictly prohibited.
Springfield
Tethering Ban:
It is illegal to chain, tie, or tether a dog to a stationary object as a means of confinement, except for:
- No more than 30 minutes for relieving themselves.
- Temporarily for a specific task, but only for a reasonable amount of time.
Equipment Requirements:
- A non-choke collar or harness must be used.
- The tether should be at least three times the dog’s body length and weigh no more than one-eighth of the dog’s weight.
Penalties:
Violations can result in fines and may be considered acts of animal cruelty.
St. Joseph
Supervision Required:
Dogs cannot be tethered without supervision.
Time and Temperature Limits:
- No tethering between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or when temperatures are below 32°F or above 85°F.
Basic Needs:
Food, water, and shelter must be provided if tethering lasts longer than 30 minutes.
Tether Requirements:
- The collar must be properly fitted (no choke or prong collars).
- The tether must be at least three times the dog’s body length.
St. Louis County
Tethering Limit:
No dog may be tethered outdoors for more than 8 continuous hours or a total of 9 hours within a 24-hour period.
Proposed State Legislation
Recent legislative efforts have sought to make it a misdemeanor offense to leave a dog tethered or chained while unsupervised. However, these bills have not yet become law at the state level.
Animal Cruelty Laws
Regardless of local ordinances, leaving a pet tethered in a way that causes harm or injury—or deprives it of basic needs like food, water, or shelter—can be prosecuted under Missouri’s animal cruelty laws. Tethering that puts an animal in dangerous or inhumane conditions is illegal.
Table
| City/County | Tethering Time Limit | Supervision Required | Equipment Rules | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 10 hrs (cont.), 12 hrs/day | Not specified | 15 ft tether, proper collar | $100+ fines |
| Springfield | 30 min (relief), temp. tasks | Yes | 3x body length, harness/collar | Fines, cruelty charges |
| St. Joseph | 30 min (unsupervised) | Yes | 3x body length, no choke/prong | Fines |
| St. Louis County | 8 hrs (cont.), 9 hrs/day | Not specified | Not specified | Fines |
Key Takeaways
In many Missouri cities, it is illegal to leave pets tethered outside for long periods or without supervision.
Tethering must allow for access to food, water, and shelter and must not endanger the animal.
Violations can lead to fines and even animal cruelty charges.
Local ordinances vary, so it’s essential to check your city or county’s specific regulations.
When in doubt, providing a fenced area or bringing your pet indoors is the safest and most humane option.
Sources
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-st-louis-missouri/
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/springfield-missouri/
[3] https://mymix923.com/could-chaining-up-your-dog-become-illegal-in-missouri/
[4] https://post.bark.co/fun/tethering-illegal-in-missouri-town/
[5] https://www.stjosephmo.gov/671/Tethers-Restraints-Information
