As of April 2025, Missouri does not have a comprehensive statewide law that outright bans chaining or tethering dogs outside. However, there have been legislative efforts to address the issue. For example, House Bill No. 2450, introduced in 2024, would make it a class B misdemeanor to:
- Keep a dog tethered or chained while unsupervised by a competent individual physically present on the property.
- Tether a dog without adequate shelter from extreme weather, or without access to food and unfrozen water.
- Tether a dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, or in a way that could cause entanglement or injury.
- Tether a dog for more than 30 minutes at a time, or for more than three hours in a 24-hour period.
- Use a tether or chain that is not proportionate to the dog’s size, is less than 15 feet in length, or is not attached by a properly fitting harness or collar.
Note: As of now, this bill has been introduced but is not yet law. Always check the latest legislative updates.
Local Ordinances
Many Missouri cities and counties have their own, often stricter, rules:
St. Louis
- It is illegal to leave a dog or cat tethered outdoors for more than 10 continuous hours or 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
- Tethers must be at least 15 feet long, with a swivel at both ends, and attached to a properly fitting harness or collar.
- Animals must have access to food, water, and shelter, and cannot be tethered in unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
Springfield
- Chaining or tethering a dog as a primary means of confinement is prohibited.
- Tethering is only allowed for short periods (no more than 30 minutes) for temporary tasks or to allow the dog to relieve itself.
- Tethers must be at least three times the length of the dog, and the dog must have access to shelter and water.
St. Joseph
- Dogs cannot be tethered between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Tethering is not allowed as a primary method of restraint.
- Dogs must be supervised while tethered, and the tether must be properly fitted and of appropriate length.
Animal Cruelty Laws
Regardless of tethering laws, Missouri’s animal cruelty statutes require that all pets have adequate food, water, shelter, and sanitary living conditions. Leaving a pet chained outside in a way that denies these basic needs, or exposes them to harm, can result in animal cruelty charges—even if there is no specific tethering ordinance in your area.
Summary Table: Tethering Laws in Missouri
| Location | Max Tether Time | Supervision Required | Shelter/Food/Water Required | Tether Specs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | No law (bill pending) | (If bill passes) Yes | (If bill passes) Yes | (If bill passes) 15 ft, proper fit | Bill not yet law as of April 2025 |
| St. Louis | 10 hours | Not specified | Yes | 15 ft, proper fit | 12 hours max in 24 hours |
| Springfield | 30 min (exceptions) | Yes | Yes | 3x dog’s length | No primary confinement by tether |
| St. Joseph | Not overnight | Yes | Yes | 3x dog’s length | No primary confinement by tether |
Key Takeaways
- It is not currently illegal statewide to leave your pet chained outside in Missouri, but many cities have strict local ordinances.
- Leaving a pet chained in a way that denies food, water, shelter, or causes harm can result in animal cruelty charges anywhere in Missouri.
- Always check your local city or county ordinances for specific rules, as they may be much stricter than state law.
- Pending state legislation could soon make unsupervised or prolonged tethering illegal statewide.
If you are unsure about the laws in your area, contact your local animal control or city government for guidance.
Sources
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-st-louis-missouri/
- https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills241/hlrbillspdf/5068H.01I.pdf
- https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills221/hlrbillspdf/5525H.01I.pdf
- https://www.stjosephmo.gov/671/Tethers-Restraints-Information
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws