In California, it is illegal to leave your pet dog chained, tethered, or otherwise restrained to a stationary object such as a doghouse, tree, or fence for more than three hours within a 24-hour period. This law is outlined in California Health & Safety Code Section 122335 and is intended to protect dogs from the physical and psychological harm that can result from prolonged restraint. The statute makes it a crime to tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or to cause a dog to be restrained, to any stationary object for longer than the law allows.
Violations of this law can be prosecuted as either an infraction or a misdemeanor. An infraction carries a fine of up to $250 per dog. If the violation is more serious or repeated, it can be charged as a misdemeanor, which may result in a fine of up to $1,000 per dog and up to six months in county jail15. Animal control officers can issue a warning and require the owner to correct the violation, but if the dog’s health or safety is in immediate danger, or if the animal has been wounded as a result of the tethering, more severe penalties can be applied immediately.
There are specific exceptions to this law. Temporary restraint is permitted if it is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period, which is generally interpreted as less than three hours in a 24-hour period. Dogs may also be tethered while attached to a running line, pulley, or trolley system, provided the dog is not attached by a choke or pinch collar and can move freely along the line. The law also allows tethering if required by the rules of a camping or recreational area, or if the dog is actively engaged in or being trained for a licensed activity, such as herding livestock or participating in agricultural work, and the restraint is reasonably necessary for the dog’s safety.
The law does not prevent someone from walking a dog on a handheld leash or from using temporary restraint for safety or activity-specific reasons. It is focused on preventing long-term or permanent chaining that can lead to injury, lack of access to food, water, or shelter, and behavioral problems in dogs. If you are a dog owner in California, you must ensure that any tethering is brief, justified, and humane, or you may face significant legal consequences.
Sources
[1] https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/health-and-safety-code/122335/
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ca-dog-tether-%C2%A7-122335-animal-control%C2%94-%C2%93agricultural-operation%C2%94-%C2%93person%C2%94-and-%C2%93reasonable
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[4] https://www.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/california-health-and-safety-code-section-122335-hsc-unlawful-te.html
[5] http://www.sbcounty.gov/uploads/DPH/ACC/acc-site-docs/Tethering.pdf
