Ohio law regarding leaving pets, particularly dogs, chained or tethered outside is a mix of state-level requirements and stricter local ordinances. The legality and restrictions depend on where in Ohio you live.
Statewide Law: No General Ban, But Basic Requirements
Ohio state law does not explicitly prohibit tethering or chaining dogs outside, nor does it set a strict time limit for how long a dog can be left outdoors. However, the law does require that all companion animals, including dogs, must have access to food, water, and “adequate shelter” at all times.
This shelter must protect the animal from adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, and direct sunlight. If a reasonable person would believe that the animal could become ill, suffer, or die due to the conditions, the shelter is considered inadequate by law.
The law’s language is intentionally broad, which gives animal control officers and humane agents some flexibility but can also make enforcement challenging. Whether chaining a dog outside is illegal depends on whether the animal is being provided with adequate shelter and care. If not, the owner could be cited for neglect or cruelty.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Cities
Many Ohio cities have enacted their own ordinances that are much stricter than state law. Here are examples from several major Ohio cities:
Cincinnati
- No dog may be tethered:
- For more than six hours in a 24-hour period.
- Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- When no owner or responsible person is present.
- In unsanitary or dangerous conditions.
- Tethers must be at least 10 feet long or four times the dog’s body length (whichever is greater) and cannot allow the dog to cross property lines.
Columbus
- No animal may be tethered outdoors:
- Unattended between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- During a heat or cold advisory, or severe weather warning.
- With unsafe or improper collars or tethers.
- In a way that allows entanglement, crossing onto other properties, or into public walkways.
Akron
- No animal may be tethered:
- For more than six hours total in a 24-hour period, or more than three consecutive hours without a break.
- Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- During weather advisories or severe weather warnings.
- With a tether less than five times the animal’s length.
- If the animal’s needs for food, water, and shelter are not met.
- If the tether is unsafe, causes discomfort, or if no owner is present.
Campbell
- All tethering of animals is illegal. Violators can be charged with a misdemeanor and may have the animal seized.
Dangerous or Vicious Dogs
For dogs designated as dangerous or vicious, Ohio law is stricter. These dogs must be confined in secure enclosures or, if off the property, kept on a leash no longer than six feet, possibly muzzled, and under the control of a responsible person.
Penalties
- Violating state animal cruelty or neglect laws can result in criminal charges.
- Violating local tethering ordinances can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, and in some cases, forfeiture of the animal.
State vs. Major City Tethering Laws
| Location | Time Limits | Weather Restrictions | Owner Presence Required | Other Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Statewide | None | Must provide shelter | Yes | Adequate food, water, shelter |
| Cincinnati | 6 hrs/day | Yes (unsanitary) | Yes | Min. tether length, no night |
| Columbus | 8 hrs/night | Yes (advisories) | Yes | No unsafe collars/tethers |
| Akron | 6 hrs/day | Yes (advisories) | Yes | Min. tether length, no night |
| Campbell | Prohibited | N/A | N/A | All tethering banned |
Key Takeaways
- State law does not ban chaining or tethering dogs outside, but requires adequate shelter, food, and water at all times.
- Many Ohio cities have their own ordinances that restrict or ban tethering, especially at night, during bad weather, or for extended periods.
- Leaving a pet chained outside in a way that causes suffering or fails to provide for its basic needs can be prosecuted as neglect or cruelty under state law.
- Always check your local ordinances, as city laws may be much stricter than state law.
If you are concerned about a pet being left chained outside, contact your local animal control or humane society for guidance and enforcement.
Sources:
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/cincinnati-ohio/
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/ohio-law-says-dogs-being-133000413.html
- https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/dog/FC-Enforcement.html
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-955.22
