In Missouri, there is no statewide law that explicitly bans chaining or tethering pets outside at all times, but there are important restrictions and local ordinances that regulate the practice. Missouri’s general animal cruelty statutes prohibit neglect and abuse, which can include leaving a pet chained in a way that causes harm or denies basic needs. However, the legality of chaining or tethering a pet largely depends on local city or county ordinances, as well as the conditions under which the animal is kept.
In several Missouri cities, such as Springfield, St. Louis, and St. Joseph, local laws restrict or prohibit leaving a pet chained or tethered outside for extended periods. For example, in Springfield, it is illegal to chain a dog to a stationary object as a means of confinement except for brief periods, such as when the owner is completing a temporary task or allowing the dog to relieve itself, and even then, not for more than thirty minutes at a time. The law also requires that the tether be of appropriate length and weight, and that the animal has access to food, water, and shelter.
In St. Louis, dogs and cats cannot be tethered outdoors for more than ten continuous hours or for more than twelve hours in a twenty-four-hour period, and the tether must meet specific safety requirements. St. Louis County further restricts tethering to no more than eight continuous hours or nine hours in a twenty-four-hour period, and prohibits tethering in extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures below 32°F or above 90°F.
Statewide, animal cruelty laws require that pets have adequate food, water, and shelter, and that they are not kept in unsafe or inhumane conditions. Leaving a pet chained outside without meeting these requirements can result in animal neglect or abuse charges. Some proposed state legislation has aimed to further restrict or criminalize the practice of chaining or tethering dogs, but as of July 2025, these have not become law at the state level.
While it is not categorically illegal under Missouri state law to leave your pet chained outside, many cities and counties have ordinances that restrict or prohibit the practice under certain conditions. The law generally requires that animals not be left chained in a way that endangers their health or denies them basic needs. Violating local tethering ordinances or state animal cruelty laws can result in fines and, in some cases, criminal charges. Always check the specific rules in your city or county to ensure compliance with local animal welfare regulations.
Sources
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-st-louis-missouri/
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/springfield-missouri/
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tetherong-st-louis-county-missouri/
[4] https://www.stjosephmo.gov/671/Tethers-Restraints-Information
[5] https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills221/hlrbillspdf/5525H.01I.pdf
