In Vermont, it is not illegal to leave your pet chained outside, even for extended periods, as long as certain minimum conditions are met. The law requires that animals restrained outside must have access to adequate shelter, food, water, and exercise, and that the tether or chain must be long enough to allow the animal to move comfortably and access shelter. Specifically for dogs, the law states that a dog chained to a shelter must be on a tether chain at least four times the length of the dog (measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail), and the dog must be protected from wind, draft, excessive sun, rain, and other environmental hazards throughout the year123.
However, Vermont law does prohibit tethering or restraining an animal in a manner that is inhumane or detrimental to its welfare. If a pet is left outside in a way that causes suffering, neglect, or harm—such as being deprived of necessary shelter, food, water, or medical attention—this can be considered animal cruelty and is illegal452.
It is legal to leave a pet chained outside in Vermont if all legal requirements for shelter, food, water, and humane treatment are met. If those requirements are not met, or if the animal is suffering as a result of the tethering, it is illegal and can be reported as animal cruelty142.
Sources
[1] https://centralvermonthumane.org/report-cruelty-neglect/
[2] https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/2012/title13/chapter8/section365
[3] https://www.change.org/p/alison-clarkson-protect-vermont-dogs-from-being-tethered-or-confined-outside-too-long-in-extreme-cold-heat
[4] https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/title-13/chapter-8/section-352/
[5] https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/2011/title13/chapter8/section352
