In Vermont, it is generally legal to leave your pet chained outside, but the law requires that the chaining must be done humanely and must not be detrimental to the animal’s welfare. The chain must be at least four times the length of the dog, measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, to allow adequate movement and access to shelter. The dog must have access to shade, protection from rain and snow, and food and water while tethered. Inhumane tethering or chaining that causes cruelty to the animal is prohibited and can lead to criminal charges under Vermont’s animal cruelty statutes, punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Animal welfare advocates in Vermont have called for stronger laws to limit chaining in extreme weather conditions and to reduce the time dogs can be tethered outside. While Vermont law lacks specific time limits for tethering, it emphasizes that chaining should not cause harm or suffering. Issues with long-term or improper tethering include behavioral problems, risk of strangulation, exposure to attacks by other animals, and physical injury from improperly fitted collars or chains.
The law also encourages alternatives such as using long cables with swivel hooks for exercise rather than fixed chains. Local ordinances may add further regulations on pet restraint and control. In summary, pet owners in Vermont must ensure that chaining is done humanely, with sufficient length and access to shelter, or they could face animal cruelty charges.
Sources
(https://www.change.org/p/alison-clarkson-protect-vermont-dogs-from-being-tethered-or-confined-outside-too-long-in-extreme-cold-heat)
(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
(https://vermonthumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Caring-for-Dogs-FINAL-2013.pdf)
(https://apnm.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Final_DPS_Tethering_Study.pdf)
(https://www.vlct.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resources/documents/model-dog-control-ordinance_0.pdf)
