In New Jersey, it is illegal to leave your pet, specifically dogs, chained or tethered outside under conditions that are considered cruel or unsafe.
State law prohibits tethering a dog in a manner that exposes them to adverse environmental conditions—such as temperatures below 32°F or above 90°F, rain, snow, wind, or hot pavement—for more than 30 minutes unless the animal has continuous access to proper shelter and water.
Dogs may not be tethered with harmful devices like choke or prong collars, on chains thicker than a quarter of an inch, or with any object that poses a risk of entanglement or injury.
It is also illegal to tether a nursing female or a puppy less than four months old, to tether any dog in an unoccupied building or vacant property, or to leave a dog outside on a tether between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Tethering is only permitted if it allows at least 15 feet of movement and does not prevent access to water or shelter.
Violations can result in fines, jail time, community service, and removal of the animal by authorities.Â
Additionally, some municipalities in New Jersey have stricter rules, including outright bans on tethering unneutered or unspayed dogs and limitations on the hours and total duration pets can be left outside, even if altered.
Sources
[1] https://ucnj.org/prosecutor/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/09/NJs-Tethering-Restriction-and-Proper-Outdoor-Shelter-Law.pdf
[2] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/voorheestwp/latest/voorheestwp_nj/0-0-0-37888
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/new-jersey/
[5] https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S1640/id/1647527
