Hawaii has specific laws regulating how and when you can tether or chain your dog outside. While it is not outright illegal to ever tether a dog outdoors, the law imposes strict limitations to protect animal welfare and prevent cruelty.
Key Provisions of Hawaii’s Tethering Law
- Type of Restraint:
It is illegal to tether or restrain a dog to a stationary object using a choke collar, pinch collar, or prong collar, except when the dog is being walked on a hand-held leash or is engaged in a supervised activity. - Age Restrictions:
Tethering or restraining a dog under six months of age is prohibited unless the dog is engaged in a supervised activity. - Duration and Supervision:
Dogs cannot be left restrained outdoors for more than 24 consecutive hours. The restraint must be attached to a properly fitting chest harness, and the dog must be attended to at least once every 24 hours. - Equipment Standards:
The law prohibits the use of tow or log chains, or any device not designed for restraining dogs. The chain or tether must not weigh more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight and must be at least ten feet in length (unless the dog is engaged in a supervised activity). - Conditions:
It is illegal to tether a dog in a way that:- Entangles or endangers the dog.
- Prevents the dog from accessing clean water, shelter, shade, or dry ground.
- Restrains more than one dog to a single cable run.
- Leaves a sick, injured, or medically needy dog restrained.
- Prohibited Devices:
The sale, distribution, or use of electric shock dog collars is banned in Hawaii.
Penalties
Violating these provisions is considered cruelty to animals in the second degree, which is a misdemeanor offense in Hawaii.
Summary Table
| Provision | Allowed? | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chaining/tethering with choke/prong/pinch collar | No | Except during supervised activity or hand-held leash walk |
| Tethering dogs under 6 months | No | Unless supervised activity |
| Tethering for >24 hours outdoors | No | Must be attended at least once every 24 hours |
| Using tow/log chains | No | Only equipment designed for dogs allowed |
| Tether shorter than 10 feet | No | Unless supervised activity |
| Tether heavier than 1/8 dog’s weight | No | |
| Lack of access to water/shelter | No | |
| Electric shock collars | No | Sale, distribution, use all prohibited |
It is illegal in Hawaii to leave your pet chained or tethered outside under most circumstances that could endanger the dog’s health, safety, or welfare. The law requires humane treatment and sets clear standards for equipment, supervision, and duration. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2020/bills/HB633_.pdf
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/hawaii/
- https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2019/bills/HB633_.HTM
- https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-37/chapter-711/section-711-1110/
