Leaving pets chained or tethered outside has been a controversial issue in many states, including Tennessee, where animal welfare laws aim to protect pets from neglect and cruelty.
Tennessee has specific statutes and local ordinances that regulate how animals can be tethered or restrained outdoors. This article explains the current legal landscape regarding chaining pets outside in Tennessee, what restrictions apply, and the consequences of violations.
Tennessee’s State Law on Chaining Pets
Under Tennessee law, specifically Tennessee Code § 39-14-202, it is illegal to tie, tether, or restrain a dog or other animal in a way that causes bodily injury or suffering. The statute prohibits knowingly leaving a dog chained in conditions that harm the animal physically, such as causing injury or preventing access to food, water, or shelter.
Chaining an animal outside is permissible only if it does not result in bodily injury or unhealthy conditions. The law outlines protection against cruelty, ensuring owners provide necessary food, water, care, and shelter regardless of whether the pet is confined or free-roaming.
Local Ordinances Add Stricter Rules
Several cities in Tennessee have local laws that go beyond state statutes to regulate chaining more strictly. For example:
Nashville: Prohibits chaining dogs with heavy chains and requires tethers to be at least fifteen feet long, include swivel connectors to avoid tangling, and allow the animal freedom of movement. Chains are banned as tethering devices. Animals must not be outside during extreme weather, must have access to water, shelter, and dry ground at all times, and tethering cannot be left unattended.
Red Bank: Limits tethering to no more than 30 minutes without supervision and bans chaining that creates unhealthy or dangerous situations for the animal or others. It forbids attaching tethers to choke collars or pinch collars and prohibits tethering at night between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m..
Johnson City: Also prohibits leaving dogs tethered and unattended. Tether length and height restrictions apply, with specific requirements for properly fitted collars or harnesses, banning choke or pinch collars, and requiring supervision during tethering.
Common Legal Requirements and Restrictions
Across Tennessee jurisdictions, these key requirements for chaining pets typically apply:
Chains must not cause injury or restrict movement excessively
Animals must have continuous access to potable water, adequate food, and appropriate shelter
Choke collars, pinch collars, or weighted chains are prohibited as tethering devices
Tethering for extended unattended periods, especially overnight or during extreme weather, is forbidden
Proper supervision is required when tethering to ensure animal safety and welfare
Violating these provisions may lead to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses.
Consequences of Illegal Chaining
Anyone found violating Tennessee’s animal tethering laws may face legal charges for animal cruelty which are classified as:
Class A misdemeanors for first offenses
Class E felonies for second or subsequent offenses resulting in serious bodily injury or neglect
Courts may also order the surrender of animals and restrict custody for those convicted of cruelty violations.
Best Practices for Pet Owners
To comply with Tennessee law and ensure pets’ well-being, owners should:
Use appropriate, lightweight harnesses or collars that fit well
Provide tethers long enough to allow free movement (usually 15 feet or longer)
Check animals regularly and provide immediate shelter from extreme weather
Avoid leaving pets tethered unattended for long periods
Never use choke or pinch collars as tethering devices
In Tennessee, it is not outright illegal to chain your pet outside, but strict laws regulate how it must be done to prevent cruelty and bodily harm. Local ordinances often include additional requirements to protect animal health and safety.
Owners who tether pets must ensure they provide continuous access to shelter, food, and water, use approved tethering devices, and avoid leaving pets chained unattended especially during extreme weather. Failure to comply can result in criminal animal cruelty charges.
By understanding and following Tennessee’s laws and local rules, pet owners help safeguard their animals’ welfare and avoid legal consequences.
Sources
(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tennessee/)
(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/nashville-tennessee/)
(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tennessee/red-bank-tennessee/)
(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tennessee/tethering-johnson-city-tennessee/)
(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
