As of May 2025, it is not outright illegal to tether or chain your dog outside in Wisconsin, but there are important legal restrictions and requirements in place to protect animal welfare.
Existing Laws and Regulations
- Tethering Is Legal with Restrictions:
Wisconsin law currently allows dog owners to chain or tether their pets outside. However, the state has established some basic humane treatment standards. For example:- Tethers must be at least six feet in length.
- Pregnant or nursing dogs may not be tethered.
- Dogs must have access to adequate food, water, shelter, and exercise.
- Animal Cruelty and Neglect:
It is illegal to deprive a dog of necessary food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Leaving a dog chained outside in conditions that cause suffering-such as extreme heat, cold, or unsafe/unsanitary environments-can be prosecuted as animal cruelty or neglect.
Proposed Legislation: SB 675 and AB 760
Recent bills (SB 675 and AB 760) introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature aim to set clearer, stricter standards for tethering and sheltering dogs, though as of now, these have not yet become law. If passed, these bills would:
- Prohibit tethering during extreme weather: Owners could not chain dogs outside in extreme heat, cold, rain, or unsafe conditions.
- Set a time limit: Dogs could not be tethered for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period.
- Mandate proper shelter: Shelters must be large enough, weatherproof, clean, and provide shade.
- Regulate tethers: Tethers could not weigh more than 15% of the dog’s weight and must be at least 12 feet long or four times the length of the dog.
- Ban tethering for certain dogs: Sick, pregnant, nursing, or very young dogs (under five months) could not be tethered.
- Require supervision: A person must be on or near the property where the dog is tethered.
These proposed laws would make it easier for law enforcement to act against cases of cruelty and neglect, but until they are enacted, current law applies.
Local Ordinances
Some Wisconsin cities or counties may have their own, stricter ordinances regarding tethering. Always check your local regulations, as they may impose additional requirements or outright bans on chaining dogs outside.
Table: Wisconsin Dog Tethering Laws (2025)
| Provision | Current Law | Proposed (SB 675/AB 760) |
|---|---|---|
| Tethering allowed? | Yes, with restrictions | Yes, but stricter limits |
| Max tethering time | No statewide time limit | 10 hours per 24-hour period |
| Extreme weather restrictions | Cruelty/neglect laws apply | Explicit ban on tethering in extremes |
| Shelter requirements | Must provide adequate shelter | Detailed shelter standards |
| Tether length/weight | At least 6 feet | At least 12 feet or 4x dog’s length; ≤15% of weight |
| Special protections | Pregnant/nursing dogs not tethered | Sick, pregnant, young, nursing dogs not tethered |
Bottom Line
- It is not categorically illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Wisconsin, but you must meet basic humane standards.
- Leaving a dog chained in unsafe, unsanitary, or extreme weather conditions can be prosecuted as cruelty or neglect.
- Proposed laws may soon add stricter limits on how and when dogs can be tethered outside-stay informed about legislative updates.
If you are concerned about a dog’s welfare, you can report suspected neglect or cruelty to local animal control or law enforcement.
Sources
[1] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/ATCP%2016.24(4)(a)
[2] https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/is-it-illegal-to-leave-your-pet-chained-outside-in-wisconsin-heres-what-the-law-says/
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[4] http://nowisconsinpuppymills.com/alert-dog-tethering.html
[5] https://dogtime.com/reference/106996-wisconsin-dog-laws-2023-rabies-dog-bites-dog-cruelty-and-dog-chains