Is It Illegal to Leave Your Pet Chained Outside in North Dakota? Here’s What the Law Says

While North Dakota does not have a statewide law specifically prohibiting leaving pets chained outside, some cities in the state have enacted ordinances regulating the practice. Here’s what you need to know about pet tethering laws in North Dakota:

City-Specific Ordinances

Some North Dakota cities have implemented restrictions on tethering pets:

Fargo

Fargo has specific regulations for tethering animals:

• Chains or tethers must be at least three times the length of the animal
• Tethers cannot exceed ten pounds in total weight
• Animals cannot be chained for more than two consecutive hours, with at least a two-hour break between tethering periods
• No more than four two-hour chaining periods are allowed in a 24-hour period

Bismarck

Bismarck’s animal control ordinance requires:

• Adequate shelter for animals habitually kept outside
• Shelter must have at least three sides, a weatherproof roof, and a solid, sanitary floor with proper drainage

Weather Considerations

While not explicitly illegal statewide, leaving pets chained outside in extreme weather conditions could potentially be considered animal cruelty:

• In Bismarck, it’s prohibited to confine an animal in a manner that endangers its health or safety due to heat, cold, or lack of ventilation
• Some cities may have additional weather-related restrictions during severe conditions

Best Practices

Even where not explicitly illegal, it’s generally advisable to:

• Provide adequate shelter, food, and water for outdoor pets
• Bring pets indoors during extreme weather conditions
• Use alternatives to chaining, such as secure fenced areas or supervised outdoor time

While North Dakota lacks a comprehensive statewide law on pet tethering, pet owners should be aware of local ordinances and prioritize their animals’ well-being, especially during harsh weather conditions common in the state.