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

Posted by Tim Lee March 11, 2025
Is It Illegal to Leave Your Pet Chained Outside in Rhode Island? Here's What the Law Says
In Rhode Island, it is illegal to leave your pet chained outside under certain conditions. According to R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-42, the following practices are prohibited:
  • Tethering Area: Keeping a dog on a permanent tether that restricts movement to an area less than 113 square feet or a six-foot radius at ground level is illegal.
  • Tethering Duration: Dogs cannot be tethered for more than ten hours in a 24-hour period.
  • Nighttime Tethering: Tethering a dog between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is prohibited, except for up to 15 minutes.
  • Weather Conditions: Dogs cannot be left outside when temperatures exceed the safety standards set by the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale (TACC).
  • Collars: Using choke-type, head, or prong-type collars for tethering is also prohibited.
Additionally, owners must provide adequate feed, water, and veterinary care to their dogs. These laws aim to protect animal welfare and prevent cruelty. Sources:
  1. https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-4/chapter-4-13/section-4-13-42/
  2.  https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/
  3.  https://aldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Rhode-Island-2023-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund.pdf
  4.  https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws