Rhode Island has specific laws regarding the tethering of dogs outside. Here’s what the law says about leaving your pet chained outside in Rhode Island:
Tethering Restrictions
Rhode Island General Laws § 4-13-42 outlines several restrictions on tethering dogs:
- Tether Length: It’s illegal to keep a dog on a permanent tether that restricts movement to an area less than 113 square feet or a 6-foot radius at ground level.
- Time Limits: Dogs cannot be tethered for more than 10 hours during a 24-hour period.
- Collar Type: Using choke-type collars, head collars, or prong-type collars for tethering is prohibited.
- Tether Weight: The weight of any chain or tether must not exceed 1/8 of the dog’s total body weight.
Additional Care Requirements
The law also mandates other aspects of dog care:
- Adequate Shelter: Dogs must be provided with appropriate shelter that protects them from injury, suffering, and all types of weather conditions.
- Food and Water: Owners must provide adequate food, water, and veterinary care.
- Weather Conditions: It’s prohibited to expose dogs to adverse weather conditions solely for the purpose of conditioning.
Exceptions
The tethering restrictions do not apply in certain situations:
- Medical Reasons: If authorized in writing by a licensed Rhode Island veterinarian, renewed annually, and shelter is provided.
- Animal Control Authorization: If tethering is authorized in writing by an animal control officer.
- Specific Facilities: The law doesn’t apply to training facilities, grooming facilities, commercial boarding kennels, pet shops, animal shelters, municipal pounds, or veterinary facilities.
- Hunting and Working Dogs: Licensed hunters, field trial participants, and livestock farmers using dogs to protect livestock are exempt under certain conditions.
Penalties
Violations of these laws can result in penalties:
- First Offense: A warning is typically issued for a first violation.
- Subsequent Offenses: Can be considered a violation of § 4-1-2 (animal cruelty statute), with each day of violation constituting a separate offense.
- Repeat Offenders: Harsher penalties apply for second violations within 10 years, including potential prison time, fines, and mandatory community service.
Recent Changes
In 2018, Rhode Island strengthened its animal cruelty laws:
- Ownership Bans: Individuals convicted of animal mistreatment are prohibited from owning or living with animals for 5 years (misdemeanor) or 15 years (felony).
- Shelter Definition: The law now specifies what constitutes adequate shelter, including space requirements and prohibitions on certain floor types.
While it’s not entirely illegal to leave a pet chained outside in Rhode Island, there are strict regulations governing the practice. Pet owners must ensure they comply with tethering time limits, provide adequate shelter and care, and use appropriate tethering equipment.
Failure to adhere to these laws can result in warnings, fines, and potentially more severe penalties for repeat offenses. The state’s recent strengthening of animal cruelty laws demonstrates a commitment to protecting animal welfare and holding pet owners accountable for proper care.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/providence-rhode-island/
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/
[4] https://ecode360.com/42491215
