While North Carolina doesn’t have statewide laws specifically prohibiting dog tethering, local governments can and do regulate the practice. This means the legality of leaving your dog chained outside depends on the specific ordinances in your city or county.Here’s a breakdown of what the laws say:
Local Ordinances:
- Hendersonville, NC: Limits tethering to no more than 2 hours in a 12-hour period. The minimum age for tethering puppies is 6 months.
- Raleigh, NC: Dogs cannot be tethered for more than three hours total in any 24-hour period. The tether must be at least 10 feet long and attached to the dog with a buckle-type collar or a body harness in a way that prevents strangulation or injury. The tether can weigh no more than 10 percent of the animal’s body weight and must allow the dog access to food and water. Violations can result in a misdemeanor charge and a civil penalty of $100 per day.
- Surry County, NC: It is unlawful to restrain a dog using a chain, wire, or other tethering device in a prohibited manner. Cable trolley systems must have a cable at least ten feet long, and the weight of the tethering device and collar combined cannot exceed 10% of the dog’s body weight. Tethering must allow access to adequate food, water, and shelter, and sick, diseased, or injured dogs cannot be tethered.
- Town of Chapel Hill, NC: Tethers must be made of rope, twine, cord, or similar material with a swivel on one end, or a chain that is at least 10 feet in length with swivels on both ends.
General Considerations:
- Cruel Tethering: North Carolina General Statute § 14-362.3 states that maliciously restraining a dog using a chain or wire grossly in excess of what is necessary to safely restrain the dog is a Class 1 misdemeanor. “Maliciously” means the person imposed the restraint intentionally and with malice or bad motive.
- Animal Welfare: Local ordinances often require that tethered dogs have adequate food, shelter, and water.
- State Anti-Cruelty Laws: “Cruel” tethering may be a violation of state anti-cruelty laws. Neglecting an animal by restraining it in a way that endangers its life or health can also lead to legal issues.
- Specific examples of prohibited tethering: Tethering a dog in a way that causes injury or puts them in danger, including attacks by other animals, can be classified as cruel restraint under many state laws. Some areas also prohibit tethering during hazardous weather conditions.
- Other Restrictions: Some locales have additional rules, such as limiting the number of dogs on a property or specifying distances between dog pens and dwellings.
It’s important to check with your local animal control or government to understand the specific regulations in your area.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.nhes.org/hendersonville-nc-imposes-heightens-restrictions-on-dog-tethering/
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/
[3] https://raleighnc.gov/safety/services/animal-control/dog-tethering-ordinance-and-leash-law
[4] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
