In Connecticut, it is generally illegal to leave your dog chained or tethered outside under several circumstances as per Connecticut General Statutes § 22-350a. The law prohibits tethering a dog to a stationary object or a mobile device like a trolley or pulley when a weather advisory or warning (e.g., extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or hail) is issued or when outdoor conditions pose an adverse risk to the dog’s health or safety, unless the tethering is very brief (no longer than 15 minutes) or the owner is present with the dog outdoors.
More specifically:
- No person may chain or tether a dog outdoors to a stationary object or mobile device if hazardous weather conditions exist or are forecasted, unless the tethering is for 15 minutes or less or the owner is outside with the dog.
- Dogs may not be confined outside unattended during hazardous weather advisories.
- Violations carry escalating fines: $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $250 to $500 for subsequent offenses.
- The law emphasizes the dog’s protection from undue harm and requires provision of adequate shelter if the dog is tethered outside for longer than 15 minutes.
Thus, permanently or for prolonged periods leaving your pet chained outside, especially unattended or in adverse weather conditions, is illegal in Connecticut and subject to fines. The law aims to prevent cruel or unsafe tethering practices and ensure animal welfare.
This tethering law is part of broader Connecticut statutes protecting dogs from cruel confinement and neglect.
If tethering is needed temporarily and safely, the owner must ensure the dog’s health, safety, and comfort and that tethering does not exceed short durations, especially during extreme weather.
Chaining a dog outside in Connecticut is regulated strictly and largely prohibited except for very short, supervised periods, mainly to protect the animal from harm and suffering.
Sources
[1] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/connecticut/
[3] https://legiscan.com/CT/bill/HB05138/2025
[4] https://woodburyct.org/index.asp?SEC=D0880F65-03E1-485F-B414-1A9FED9263C4&DE=93EF5F15-D43B-4EA2-A625-AB8AF67BDBE2
[5] http://thebrooksinstitute.org/animal-law-digest/us/issue-125/connecticut-bill-would-prohibit-chaining-other-forms-cruel-confinement-dogs
