Is It Illegal to Leave Your Pet Chained Outside in Montana? Here’s What the Law Says

Montana does not have a statewide law specifically prohibiting leaving a pet chained outside, but it requires general humane treatment and allows local municipalities to set stricter rules.

State Law Overview

Montana’s state animal protection laws prohibit cruelty and neglect, which can include inhumane tethering or chaining that endangers a pet’s health or safety. Tethering in extreme weather, without access to food, water, or shelter, or in a way that causes injury may be prosecuted under animal cruelty statutes.

Local Ordinances and Restrictions

Some Montana cities, like Hardin, have specific regulations:

1. In Hardin, it is unlawful to tether a dog outdoors unless the dog is in visual range of a responsible party, with the party present, using an appropriate collar/harness, and with a tether at least five times the dog’s body length and not heavier than one-eighth of the dog’s weight.
2. Other municipalities may require leashes or prohibit chaining in certain circumstances, and leash laws in places like Bozeman mandate restraints no longer than six feet and strong enough to hold the pet.

Penalties

Pet owners found in violation of local tethering rules may face fines or removal of the animal, and cruelty or neglect charges under state law can result in criminal prosecution.

Key Points

1. No statewide ban: Montana does not categorically ban chaining pets outside.
2. Humane requirement: Inhumane tethering that results in neglect or cruelty is illegal.
3. Local rules: Some cities (e.g., Hardin) have specific tethering regulations requiring supervision, length, and weight limits for tethers.
4. Penalties: Violations may incur fines or criminal charges under animal cruelty statutes.

Checking both state provisions and local ordinances is essential for responsible pet ownership in Montana.

Sources

(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
(https://www.animallaw.info/statute/mt-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws)
(https://aldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Montana-2018.pdf)
(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/hardin-montana/)
(https://montanapetdentist.com/leash-laws-bozeman-montana/)