Massachusetts law makes it illegal to leave your pet, specifically a dog, chained or tethered outside beyond strict limits. The state’s regulations are designed to protect dogs from neglect, harsh weather, and unsafe conditions, and violations can lead to fines or even the loss of your pet.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 174E, it is unlawful to chain or tether a dog outside for more than five hours in a 24-hour period.
Additionally, dogs cannot be left chained or tethered outdoors between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for brief periods not exceeding 15 minutes and only if the dog is not left unattended during that time. This means that leaving your dog outside overnight on a chain is generally prohibited.
The law also addresses weather conditions. It is illegal to leave a dog chained or unattended outside during severe weather, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or hail, or when a weather advisory, warning, or watch has been issued by authorities.
The only exception is if the tethering is for less than 15 minutes and the dog is not left unattended. These restrictions are in place to ensure dogs are not exposed to dangerous or unhealthy conditions that could threaten their well-being.
For dogs that are tethered, the equipment used must be appropriate. The tether must be designed for dogs—logging chains or other makeshift devices are not allowed.
The chain or tether cannot weigh more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight, and it must not allow the dog to leave the property. Furthermore, no dog under six months of age may be tethered outside for any length of time.
The law also requires that dogs confined outdoors, whether tethered or in a pen, must have access to clean water and dry shelter with clean bedding.
The shelter must be able to retain heat and be free from ice or waste. Pens must provide at least 100 square feet of space and be securely enclosed on all sides. Tethering systems must not use choke or pinch collars, and only one dog may be attached to each cable run.
Massachusetts law goes further to prohibit subjecting a dog to cruel or inhumane conditions while tethered or confined. This includes filthy or unhealthy environments, exposure to waste, harassment, and dangerous situations such as the risk of attack by other animals.
There are exceptions for dogs actively working in agriculture, herding, or present in camping or recreational areas, as well as for dogs in commercial kennels or veterinary facilities.
Penalties for violating these laws start with a written warning or a fine of up to $50 for a first offense. Repeat offenses can result in higher fines—up to $200 for a second offense and up to $500 for third or subsequent offenses. In severe or repeated cases, authorities may impound the dog or revoke ownership rights.
Massachusetts law strictly limits when and how long you can leave your dog chained outside. The goal is to ensure the safety and humane treatment of pets. Leaving your dog chained outside for extended periods, overnight, during severe weather, or in unsafe conditions is illegal and subject to enforcement and penalties.
Sources
- https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/tetheringchaining-of-dogs/
- https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section174E
- https://www.rehobothma.gov/animal-control/news/tethering-your-dog-%E2%80%94-new-state-legislation-imposes-new-requirements
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://aldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Massachusetts-2018.pdf