It is not outright illegal under Minnesota state law to tether or chain a pet outside, but there are important restrictions and responsibilities set by state statutes, local ordinances, and animal cruelty laws that pet owners must follow.
Minnesota generally allows tethering or chaining of pets, provided that it does not amount to animal cruelty or neglect. Under Minnesota Statute §343.21, it is illegal to “cruelly treat” any animal, which includes neglecting the animal’s basic needs or exposing them to dangerous or unhealthy conditions. If chaining a pet causes harm, suffering, or puts the animal at risk—such as denying access to clean water, adequate shelter, or exposing it to extreme weather—the owner could be charged with animal cruelty. In extreme cases, cruelty resulting in death or great bodily harm to a companion animal is classified as a felony.
Many cities in Minnesota have their own ordinances that further restrict tethering. For example, in St. Paul, chains, tethers, or tie-outs must be at least three times the length of the dog, cannot weigh more than ten pounds, and pets cannot be tethered for more than two consecutive hours without a two-hour break. In total, you may not chain a dog for more than eight hours in a 24-hour period. Pulley/cable systems have specific requirements, and the pet must have access to shelter and water at all times. Similar rules apply in Worthington, where dogs may not be tied out for more than nine hours in a day, must have at least a ten-foot radius to move around, and cannot be left in unhealthy or unsanitary conditions.
There are stricter requirements for dangerous dogs in Minnesota. Such dogs must be kept in a secure enclosure or, if outside, must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash under the direct physical control of a responsible person. Additionally, local ordinances may ban leaving any pet chained outside overnight or impose time limits and requirements for supervision and care.
To summarize, it is legal to leave your pet chained outside in Minnesota within specific limits set by state law and local ordinances, provided the animal’s welfare is not compromised. Tethering must not expose your pet to cruelty, neglect, or unsafe conditions. Always check your city’s animal control regulations, as the rules can vary, and violations may lead to criminal penalties, fines, or even felony charges for severe animal cruelty. Responsible pet ownership—granting access to water, shelter, freedom of movement, and avoiding prolonged unsupervised chaining—is both a legal and ethical requirement for Minnesota residents.
Sources
[1] https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/343.21
[2] https://awionline.org/content/including-pets-domestic-violence-protection-orders-minnesota
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/worthington-minnesota/
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/st-paul-minnesota/
[5] https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/safety-inspections/animal-control/responsible-pet-ownership
