Leaving Your Pet Chained Outside in Ohio: Is It Illegal? Pet owners in Ohio must abide by laws about how to care for their pets, especially dogs, as well as when they can leave them tied outside.
The laws are meant to protect animals from neglect or abuse, while also holding pet owners accountable. So here is a quick rundown on what Ohio law says about leaving pets outside on chains:
Ohio’s Animal Cruelty Law
Section 959 of the Ohio Revised Code states that it is unlawful to abuse or neglect animals; therefore, any person hurting or neglecting animals will be held a crime. The law also provides that whoever intentionally hurts, tortures, or incites the torture an animal without a reasonable cause shall be committed a crime.
Broad prohibitions in this section of the law prohibit acts of abuse or cruel treatment of domestic pets, whether they are indoors or outdoors.
The law prosecutes various forms of maltreating behavior, but it does not declare tethering a dog outside illegal. In contrast, the law does say that every pet, whether it is kept inside or outside of one’s home, has a right to a safe abode, nourishment, drink, and care.
Restrictions Against Tethering in Ohio
Ohio does not have an explicit law that prohibits tethering, but many Ohio cities, towns, and counties have passed ordinances that limit or control it.
Local rules put in place are to protect animals tied down from bad weather, not having a place to stay warm, or being squished too much.
Some of the common restrictions listed by these state laws are given below:
Time Duration: Some cities have regulations on the time an animal can be tied down outside. For example, a law may state that tethering is only allowed for 6 to 8 hours over a 24 hour time period.
Conditions of the Weather: Many local laws do not allow connection when the weather is very bad, like below freezing or very hot. They do this to keep the pet from getting too cold or too hot.
Tethering Equipment: Local ordinances may dictate what type of equipment can be used for tethering. A person may be prohibited from wearing chains that are too heavy or too short. Under normal circumstances, the leash should give the animal good room to move around.
Shelter Needs: A dog needs to have access to a good shelter. Even when chained up out of doors, the animal must have protection from the sun, rain, wind, and snow.
Consequences for Tethering Violations
There are severe penalties in store for you if you violate Ohio’s anti-animal cruelty laws or applicable state tethering laws. The various violations committed can result in respective fines, prison time, and even loss of the right to own animals.
Offenders may be asked to pay fines. Usually, fines for first-time offenders range between $150 and $500.
Extreme cases of neglect or cruelty, like tethering a pet in places dangerous for him without food and water, can land you with the possibility of being charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on how bad the case is.
This can lead to jail time, higher fines, or even a lifetime without ever having a pet again.
Offenders can be punished more severely or, depending on the severity of an offense, even with criminal sanctions if their behavior repeats or causes harm or death to an animal.
More Humane Alternatives to Tethering
There are better ways to care for a pet than putting it outside chained up. Responsible pet owners can consider these options to make sure their pets are safe and comfortable:
Instead of tying your pet, make use of a fenced yard if it is available. In this case, your pet will receive more freedom to move about safely.
Dog Runs: A dog run can give your dog a safe place to run outside where it can move around without the risks that come with anchoring.
Supervised Outdoor Time: Tether your pet only for a short period, and ensure they have shelter, food, and water. Observe your pet to ensure it lives in health.
Bad Weather Indoors: Always take your pets inside during bad weather, such as rainfall, icy or hot temperatures, or any combination of the mentioned above.
Advocacy for State-wide Tethering Laws
Within the last few years, more and more efforts toward tightening tethering rules have surfaced throughout the entire state of Ohio. Concerned citizens and animal rights groups work toward legislation that can provide more uniform tethering rules throughout the state.
This would make it easier to ensure that all dogs are treated humanely. Even though there is not a complete rule yet, there is increasingly more support for more uniform standards.
