In New York, both state legislation and local ordinances regulate the tethering of dogs to ensure their safety and well-being. Below is an overview of these regulations and the associated penalties:
Statewide Regulations
New York State has proposed legislation addressing dog tethering practices:
- Assembly Bill A381 (2023-2024 Legislative Session): This bill proposes prohibiting tethering, restraining, caging, or penning dogs outdoors between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. It allows tethering between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., provided the tether is humane and permits the dog to access food, water, shade, and dry ground. Violations could result in misdemeanors, with penalties including fines ranging from $200 to $1,000 and potential imprisonment. citeturn0search0
- Senate Bill S6380 (2025 Session): This bill aims to establish comprehensive standards for humane tethering, including restrictions on tethering durations, times, and conditions. It also outlines penalties for violations, including fines and potential forfeiture of the animal.
Local Ordinances
Several New York municipalities have enacted specific tethering regulations:
- New York City: It is prohibited to tether, leash, fasten, chain, tie, secure, or restrain any animal with a device that:
- Is a choke collar or pinch collar.
- Has weights attached or contains links more than one-quarter inch thick.
- Is likely to become entangled due to its design or placement.
- Is long enough to allow the animal to move outside its owner’s property.
- Allows the animal to move over an object or edge that could result in strangulation or injury.
- Is a choke collar or pinch collar.
- Violations can result in fines up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 or imprisonment for subsequent offenses within a twelve-month period. citeturn0search6
- Ulster County: Tethering a dog outdoors is restricted to no more than five consecutive hours in a 24-hour period or a total of 10 hours. Tethering is prohibited during adverse weather conditions, such as temperatures below 32°F or above 80°F, or during weather alerts. Violations can result in fines up to $100 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.
- Suffolk County: Tethering a dog outdoors is prohibited when temperatures are below 32°F or above 90°F, or when the National Weather Service issues weather advisories. Violations are classified as unclassified misdemeanors, with fines up to $250 and/or imprisonment for up to five days for a first offense, escalating for subsequent offenses.
Conclusion
New York’s approach to dog tethering involves both proposed state legislation and existing local ordinances aimed at protecting 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 York should familiarize themselves with both state laws and their specific municipality’s ordinances to ensure compliance and safeguard their pets’ well-being.