Colorado’s state animal cruelty laws prohibit neglect and cruelty, which can include leaving a pet chained outside in unsafe or inhumane conditions. However, there is no explicit statewide law that sets specific time limits or outright bans chaining dogs outside for private pet owners.
Some regulations, such as those under the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA), apply to kennels, groomers, and boarding facilities, but not to general pet ownership.
If a tethered pet is suffering from neglect, injury, or is left in extreme weather without proper shelter, owners can still face charges under general animal cruelty statutes.
Local Ordinances: Examples from Colorado
Many cities and counties in Colorado have their own rules that are often stricter than state law. Here are two examples:
Parker, Colorado
- Primary containment by tethering is not allowed.
- Tethering is only permitted under these conditions:
- The tether must be at least three times the length of the dog (nose to tail base).
- No more than three consecutive hours of tethering without at least a one-hour break.
- Total tethering time must not exceed eight hours in a 24-hour period.
- Tethering must not cause injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
If tethering is found to be the primary means of containment, owners are given 30 days to find a better solution if no other violations or harm are present.
Pueblo, Colorado
- Tethering for more than four hours in any 24-hour period is illegal.
- Tethering for more than 30 minutes is prohibited when the weather is detrimental to the animal’s health (e.g., above 90°F, below 40°F, or during rain, sleet, hail, or snow).
- Tethering must not present a risk of hanging, injury, or entanglement.
- Tethers must be at least 10 feet long (but must also keep the dog at least six feet from property lines or public walkways).
- Violations are considered cruelty to animals and can result in municipal charges.
Why These Laws Exist
Chaining or tethering dogs for long periods can lead to physical harm, behavioral problems, and increased aggression. Dogs can become entangled, injured, or exposed to harsh weather, and long-term chaining is associated with neglect. Many local ordinances aim to prevent these outcomes by limiting how and when a dog can be tethered.
What Should Pet Owners Do?
- Check your local city or county ordinances-rules vary widely across Colorado.
- Never leave a pet chained outside in extreme weather or for prolonged periods.
- Ensure your pet has access to shelter, water, and is safe from entanglement or injury at all times.
It is not universally illegal to chain your pet outside in Colorado, but many local laws strictly regulate the practice, and animal cruelty laws apply if the animal’s welfare is at risk. Violating these rules can lead to fines, charges of animal cruelty, and removal of the animal.
If you have questions about your specific area or want to know more about your city’s rules, let me know!
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/colorado/parker-colorado/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/colorado/pueblo-colorado/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ColoradoSprings/comments/1gbcgdd/tethering_dog/
- https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/dr-coates/2016/february/chaining-dogs-it-ever-justified-33494
