New York has specific laws and local ordinances regarding the tethering, chaining, or restraining of pets—especially dogs—outside. The legality and restrictions depend on where you live within the state, with New York City and some counties having stricter rules than the statewide baseline.
Statewide Law
Tethering is not outright illegal statewide, but it is regulated. Owners must provide adequate shelter, food, and water for any dog left outdoors. Failure to provide appropriate shelter can result in fines or cruelty charges.
Tethering under cruel or inhumane conditions—such as in dangerous weather, with inadequate shelter, or in a way that endangers the animal’s health—can be prosecuted as animal cruelty.
New York City Law
Maximum Tethering Time: In NYC, it is illegal to chain, tether, or restrain an animal outdoors for more than three continuous hours in any 12-hour period.
Equipment Restrictions: It is illegal to use choke or pinch collars, heavy chains, or any restraint likely to cause injury or entanglement. The tether must be of adequate length and allow the animal to move freely within the owner’s property.
Care Requirements: The animal must have access to food, water, and shelter at all times. If tethered for less than 15 minutes while supervised, these requirements are relaxed.
Penalties: First offenses can result in a warning or a fine up to $250. Repeat violations within a year can lead to misdemeanor charges, higher fines, or even jail time.
County and Local Ordinances
Many counties and towns in New York have their own tethering laws, which may be stricter than state law:
Ulster County: No dog may be tethered outside for more than five consecutive hours in a 24-hour period or outside between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Tethering must not expose the dog to cruel or inhumane conditions.
Clinton County: Dogs may only be tethered outside if supervised, and never in a way that endangers their health or safety. Special restrictions apply for puppies, nursing females, and dogs with health conditions.
Other Counties: Check your local ordinances, as many have enacted similar or stricter rules.
Pending State Legislation
Proposed Bill: As of early 2025, a bill is under consideration in the New York State Assembly to ban chaining dogs outside between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Statewide protections are still not as robust as in some other states, but this may change in the near future.
Animal Cruelty Charges
Severe Cases: If chaining or tethering causes injury, distress, or endangers the animal, it can be prosecuted under New York’s animal cruelty statutes, potentially resulting in criminal charges.
Tethering Laws in New York
| Area | Max Tether Time | Equipment Restrictions | Supervision Required | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York State | No statewide limit, but must provide shelter, food, water | Cruel/injurious methods prohibited | Not always required | Fines, cruelty charges |
| New York City | 3 hours/12 hours | No choke/pinch collars, heavy chains | Not always required | Fines, misdemeanors, jail |
| Ulster County | 5 hours/24 hours; not overnight | Cruel/injurious methods prohibited | Not always required | Fines, cruelty charges |
| Clinton County | Only while supervised | Cruel/injurious methods prohibited | Yes | Fines, cruelty charges |
Key Takeaways
It is generally illegal to leave your pet chained outside for prolonged periods or under cruel conditions in New York.
Local laws may be stricter than state law.
Always provide adequate shelter, food, and water, and avoid using harmful restraints.
Violations can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, or animal cruelty prosecution.
If you are unsure about the rules in your area, consult your local animal control or government website for the most current regulations.
Sources
[1] https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/AGM/353-B
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ny-cruelty-consolidated-cruelty-statutes
[3] https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S6315/amendment/original
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-new-york-city-new-york/
[5] https://www.raphaelsonlaw.com/legal-insights/new-york-state-dog-laws-every-dog-owner-know
