In New Hampshire, it is not outright illegal to leave your pet chained outside, but the state regulates how animals are treated when kept outdoors to prevent cruelty and ensure their well-being. The law focuses on preventing harm and requires that pets, especially dogs, have access to adequate shelter, food, water, and humane care. Chaining a pet outside without providing these essentials or leaving them in extreme weather conditions can be considered animal cruelty under state law.
Chaining a dog for prolonged periods where they cannot move freely or suffer physical or emotional distress is illegal. For example, leaving a dog chained outside in extreme heat or cold without protection from the elements can cause severe harm, potentially leading to penalties for the pet owner. Animal control officers can investigate complaints and may issue fines or seize animals in harmful situations. In serious cases, pet owners could face criminal charges.
Instead of chaining pets, New Hampshire encourages alternatives like allowing dogs access to a safe, fenced yard where they can roam freely. Regular exercise and human interaction are also important to prevent the negative effects of prolonged tethering.
While New Hampshire does not completely ban chaining pets outdoors, it is heavily regulated to ensure animals are not subjected to neglect or cruelty. Pet owners must provide shelter, food, water, and humane treatment to avoid legal consequences, and they should consider safer alternatives to chaining to ensure their pets’ health and happiness.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/27/is-it-illegal-to-leave-your-pet-chained-outside-in-new-hampshire-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://www.nhes.org/new-hampshire-passes-laws-to-help-animals/
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[4] https://www.animallaw.info/statute/nh-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws
[5] https://awionline.org/content/including-pets-domestic-violence-protection-orders-new-hampshire
