North Dakota’s laws regarding the tethering of pets outside are not as comprehensive as those in some other states, but there are still regulations in place to protect animals from cruel treatment.
State-wide Regulations
North Dakota does not have a specific state-wide law that prohibits leaving pets chained outside. However, the state does have general animal cruelty laws that could apply to situations where tethering becomes abusive or neglectful.
Local Ordinances
Some municipalities in North Dakota have enacted more specific regulations regarding the tethering of animals. For example:
Fargo
Fargo has implemented detailed tethering laws that provide more specific guidelines:
- Chains or tethers must be at least three times the length of the animal secured to it.
- The total weight of the tether must not exceed ten pounds.
- Tethers must be made of durable material strong enough to hold the animal.
- Animals must be tethered in areas that prevent tangling and allow access to water and shelter.
- Tethers must not allow the animal to reach public sidewalks, streets, or alleys.
- Animals cannot be tethered to stationary objects for more than two consecutive hours, with at least a two-hour break between tethering periods.
- There can be no more than four two-hour tethering periods in a 24-hour period.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro has similar regulations to Fargo, including the same time limits on tethering and requirements for tether length and weight.
Animal Cruelty Laws
While North Dakota lacks specific anti-tethering laws at the state level, it does have animal cruelty statutes that could apply in cases of extreme or neglectful tethering:
- Willful animal abuse is a Class A misdemeanor for first and second offenses, and a Class C felony for subsequent offenses.
- Animal neglect, which could include improper tethering that leads to harm, is also punishable under state law.
Considerations
Although tethering is not explicitly illegal in North Dakota, pet owners should be aware that:
- Prolonged tethering could potentially be considered neglect or abuse if it causes harm to the animal.
- Local ordinances may have stricter regulations than state law.
- Proper shelter, food, and water must be provided to tethered animals.
While North Dakota does not have a state-wide ban on tethering pets outside, some local ordinances provide specific regulations. Pet owners should check their local laws and ensure that any tethering practices do not constitute neglect or abuse under state animal cruelty laws.
As animal protection laws continue to evolve, North Dakota currently ranks as the worst state for animal protection laws according to a 2023 report, suggesting there may be room for improvement in the state’s animal welfare legislation.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/fargo-north-dakota/
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/statute/nd-cruelty-chapter-36-211-humane-treatment-animals
[4] https://hillsboro-nd.com/vertical/sites/%7B7383026E-3DE1-4DA9-9A29-A3887DB2DE61%7D/uploads/Title_XI_-_Animals_and_Fowl.pdf
