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

Rhode Island has specific laws regarding the tethering of dogs outside. Here’s what you need to know about the legality of leaving your pet chained outside in Rhode Island:

State Law

Rhode Island General Laws § 4-13-42 outlines the requirements for tethering dogs:

• 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.
• Choke-type collars, head collars, and prong-type collars are prohibited for tethering.
• The weight of any chain or tether must not exceed 1/8 of the dog’s total body weight.

Time Restrictions

While the state law doesn’t specify a maximum time limit for tethering, some local ordinances do. For example:

• In Providence, it’s illegal to keep a dog tethered for more than 10 hours during a 24-hour period.

Weather Conditions

The law prohibits exposing dogs to adverse weather conditions strictly for the purpose of conditioning. This means leaving a dog chained outside during extreme weather could be considered illegal.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to these rules:

1. If tethering is authorized for medical reasons by a licensed veterinarian (must be renewed annually).
2. If authorized in writing by an animal control officer or police officer assigned to animal control.
3. For certain working dogs, such as hunting dogs, livestock guardian dogs, and sled dogs (with proper authorization).

Penalties

Violating these laws can result in civil penalties, including fines. The exact penalties may vary depending on local ordinances and the severity of the violation.

Best Practices

While some forms of tethering are legal, it’s generally recommended to provide dogs with a secure, fenced area or to keep them indoors when unsupervised.

This ensures their safety and well-being, and avoids potential legal issues. Remember that laws can change, and local ordinances may have additional restrictions. Always check with your local animal control or town office for the most up-to-date and specific regulations in your area.

Sources

1. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/providence-rhode-island/
2. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/
3. https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
4. https://www.mcintyretate.com/blog/2024/july/new-rhode-island-law-on-pet-custody-in-divorce-w/
5. https://ecode360.com/9721053