In Oregon as of 2025, leaving your pet chained or tethered outside is regulated and can be illegal if done improperly. According to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) § 167.343, a person commits the offense of unlawful tethering if they tether a domestic animal in their custody or control under conditions that endanger the animal’s health or safety. This includes:
- Using a tether that is too short for the animal’s size or available space, causing the animal to become entangled or injured.
- Using a collar that pinches or chokes the animal when pulled.
- Tethering the animal for more than 10 hours within a 24-hour period.
- Tethering for more than 15 hours if attached to a running line, pulley, or trolley system.
There are exceptions where tethering is allowed, such as when the animal is physically attended by the owner, tethered in a campground or recreational area under certain rules, for purposes like hunting, transportation, or when it’s a working dog such as for herding or livestock protection.
Violating these tethering rules constitutes a Class B violation under Oregon law. Additionally, ORS § 167.330 addresses animal neglect and states that if tethering causes serious physical injury or death to the animal, this constitutes a Class A misdemeanor (a more serious offense).
While it is not outright illegal to leave a pet chained outside in Oregon, the law sets strict standards on how tethering can be done to ensure the animal’s safety and wellbeing. Overly long tethering or unsafe tethering methods are prohibited and punishable.
This reflects Oregon’s intent to prevent animal neglect or cruelty related to chaining pets outdoors.
Sources
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/oregon/
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-oregon
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[4] https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=2705
[5] https://www.animallaw.info/content/map-state-dog-tethering-laws
