Tethering, or chaining, refers to the practice of securing a dog to a stationary object to restrict its movement. In New Jersey, both state laws and local ordinances regulate dog tethering to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. Below is an overview of these regulations and the associated penalties:
Statewide Regulations
New Jersey law prohibits cruel restraint of dogs, specifying several unlawful tethering practices:
- Prohibited Tethering Practices:
- Tethering more than one dog to a single tether.
- Using a tether less than 15 feet in length or one that doesn’t allow the dog to move at least 15 feet in one direction.
- Allowing a tethered dog to reach another dog or an object that poses a risk of entanglement, strangulation, drowning, or other harm.
- Exposing a tethered dog to adverse environmental conditions for more than 30 minutes.
- Using certain types of collars or tethers, such as choke collars, prong collars, head harnesses, chains with metal links over a quarter-inch thick, or any tether with an attached weight.
- Tethering a nursing female dog or a dog less than four months old.
- Tethering a dog outdoors between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. (effective 18 months after the law’s enactment).
- Tethering more than one dog to a single tether.
Note: Some provisions do not apply if a responsible person is present with or can see the dog at all times.
- Penalties:
- First offense: Fine up to $100.
- Second offense: Fine up to $200.
- Third or subsequent offenses: Fine up to $1,000 and potential confiscation of the animal in certain circumstances.
- First offense: Fine up to $100.
These penalties aim to deter improper tethering and ensure humane treatment of animals.
Local Ordinances
Several New Jersey municipalities have enacted specific tethering regulations:
- South Amboy
- Regulations: It is unlawful to leave any animal outdoors and unattended for more than 30 minutes if the National Weather Service has issued severe weather warnings or if temperatures are below 32°F or above 90°F.
- Runnemede
- Regulations: Tethering is permitted only for the time necessary to complete a temporary task requiring the dog to be restrained. The tether must be attached to a non-choke-type collar with swivel anchors to prevent entanglement. The chain or tether should not weigh more than 1/8 of the dog’s body weight. Dogs under six months old cannot be tethered outside for any length of time.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s approach to dog tethering involves both state laws and local ordinances designed to protect animal welfare. Penalties for violations range from fines to potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and local regulations. Dog owners in New Jersey should familiarize themselves with both state laws and their specific municipality’s ordinances to ensure compliance and safeguard their pets’ well-being.