New Jersey has some of the strictest laws in the country regarding the chaining or tethering of pets, especially dogs, outside. It is not outright illegal to tether a pet outside, but there are significant restrictions designed to protect animals from cruelty and neglect.
Key Provisions of New Jersey Law
- Cruel Restraint is Illegal:Â It is unlawful to cruelly restrain a dog. This includes tethering a nursing female, a dog under four months old, or leaving a dog chained in an unoccupied building or on vacant property.
- Time and Weather Restrictions:
- It is illegal to leave a pet outside for more than 30 minutes without proper shelter when temperatures are above 90°F or below 32°F, or during adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, sleet, or hail.
- Dogs cannot be tethered outdoors between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except under specific circumstances.
- Tethering Requirements:
- The tether must be at least 15 feet long and allow the dog to move at least 15 feet in any direction.
- The tether cannot be a choke chain, prong collar, or head harness, and must not be attached to a weight or be so heavy as to cause harm.
- Dogs must have continuous access to sanitary, liquid water if tethered for more than 30 minutes.
- Tethering must not expose the dog to entanglement, strangulation, drowning, or other hazards.
- Shelter Requirements:Â If a dog is left outside, it must have access to proper shelter that protects it from adverse environmental conditions.
Penalties for Violations
- First Offense:Â May result in a fine of $100.
- Second Offense:Â May result in a fine of $200.
- Third or Subsequent Offenses:Â Constitutes failure to provide necessary care, which can result in the animal being seized and made available for adoption, as well as additional costs and penalties.
- Each 30-day period of non-compliance after a summons is issued counts as a separate offense.
Local Ordinances
Some municipalities, such as Voorhees Township, have even stricter rules, including a total ban on tethering unneutered or unspayed dogs at any time and limits on how long even neutered or spayed dogs can be tethered (no more than four consecutive hours in a 24-hour period and never between sunset and sunrise).
Table: New Jersey Pet Tethering Laws
| Situation | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tethering a nursing female or puppy <4 months | Illegal | Statewide ban |
| Tethering in extreme weather (>90°F/<32°F) | Illegal | More than 30 minutes without proper shelter is prohibited |
| Tethering overnight (11 p.m. – 5 a.m.) | Illegal | With some exceptions |
| Tethering with improper collar/harness | Illegal | Choke, prong, and head harnesses are not allowed |
| Tethering without access to water/shelter | Illegal | Must provide water and adequate shelter |
| Tethering less than 15 feet or risk of harm | Illegal | Must allow 15 feet movement and prevent entanglement/harm |
| Local stricter rules (e.g., Voorhees Twp) | Varies | Some towns ban or further restrict tethering |
It is illegal in New Jersey to leave your pet chained or tethered outside in a manner that is cruel, unsafe, or exposes the animal to extreme weather or hazardous conditions. The law mandates specific requirements for tether length, shelter, and care, and violations can result in fines, animal seizure, and other penalties. Local ordinances may impose even stricter rules, so always check your municipality’s regulations as well.
Sources
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/new-jersey/
[2] https://whyy.org/articles/its-now-illegal-in-new-jersey-to-leave-your-pet-outside-in-extreme-temperatures/
[3] https://www.nj.gov/health/vph/documents/Guide%20to%20Prevention%20of%20Animal%20Cruelty%20Laws%202018.pdf
[4] https://ucnj.org/prosecutor/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/09/NJs-Tethering-Restriction-and-Proper-Outdoor-Shelter-Law.pdf
[5] https://njsbf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Animal-Law.pdf
