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

In Nebraska, the legality of leaving your pet chained outside is regulated and varies by city, but generally, there are laws designed to ensure the animal’s safety and welfare.

1. In Holdrege, Nebraska, laws prohibit tethering animals by attaching a rope, chain, or cord directly to the animal’s neck. Instead, pets must wear a properly fitted collar or harness (not of the choke type), and the tether must be attached to this. Tethering cannot exceed 30 minutes at any one time, and it should not be the sole means of containment. Additionally, dogs must be tethered so that they are no closer than six feet to public sidewalks.
2. In Omaha, Nebraska, the law is stricter. Dogs may not be tethered outdoors for more than 15 minutes at a time unless a responsible adult is present in the same yard. The tether must be long enough (at least five times the length of the dog’s body) and designed to prevent injury or strangulation. Other restrictions include distance requirements from public streets or sidewalks, and the tether must be free of tangles and light enough not to harm the dog. Violating these rules can lead to penalties ranging from $100 to $500 for repeated offenses.
3. General Considerations: Many Nebraska cities emphasize that chaining or tethering must not endanger the animal’s health or safety. Chains and tethers should be designed specifically for dogs and not be heavy or restrictive. Leaving pets chained unattended for prolonged periods is often discouraged or prohibited. The laws focus on preventing cruelty and ensuring pets have adequate space, protection from injury, and proper supervision.
4. Statewide Legislation: While Nebraska does not have a single statewide law explicitly banning chaining pets outside, local governments often enact ordinances with specific rules. Animal cruelty statutes could also apply if chaining causes harm or neglect.

In Nebraska, leaving your pet chained outside is legal only under specific conditions that protect the animal’s health, safety, and well-being. Local laws generally limit the time a pet can be tethered, require proper equipment (collar or harness), appropriate tether length, and often require supervision during tethering. Violating these laws can result in fines and penalties. To ensure compliance, it is important to check local city ordinances in your area within Nebraska.

Sources

(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/holdrege-nebraska/)
(https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/omaha-nebraska/)
(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
(https://www.fallscitynebraska.org/city-codes/article-1-dogs-and-cats)
(https://www.animallaw.info/content/map-state-dog-tethering-laws)