Minnesota law does not have a single statewide statute that outright bans chaining or tethering pets outside, but there are strict regulations-especially at the city level-and broader state animal cruelty laws that apply. Here’s what you need to know:
State Law: Animal Cruelty and Neglect
Minnesota’s general animal cruelty statutes prohibit inhumane treatment, neglect, or abuse of animals. Leaving a pet chained outside in conditions that endanger its health or safety-such as extreme cold, heat, lack of shelter, food, or water-can result in criminal charges for cruelty or neglect. For example, a Minnesota man was cited and had his dog seized after leaving it chained outside during subzero temperatures, which authorities deemed inhumane.
Local Ordinances: St. Paul and Minneapolis
St. Paul:
St. Paul has detailed regulations on tethering:
- Chains, tethers, or tie-outs must be at least three times the length of the animal and weigh no more than ten pounds.
- The animal must have access to shelter and water, and the tether must not allow the animal to become tangled or reach public areas or neighboring properties.
- Animals may not be chained to a stationary object for more than two consecutive hours, and no more than four two-hour periods in a 24-hour period (with at least two hours off between periods).
- Pulley/cable run systems and kennels have their own requirements, including minimum space and shelter standards.
Minneapolis:
Minneapolis also regulates tethering:
- Tethers must be at least three times the animal’s length and no heavier than five pounds.
- Animals cannot be tethered without on-site supervision.
- The area must allow access to shelter and water and prevent tangling or access to public or neighboring property.
Extreme Weather and Statewide Trends
While Minnesota does not have a statewide law specifically banning outdoor tethering, general anti-cruelty laws apply if the animal is left in dangerous weather or unsafe conditions. Several other states and cities have adopted laws that specifically prohibit tethering during hazardous weather or for extended periods, and Minnesota’s local ordinances reflect this trend.
In practice, if an animal is left outside and suffers due to weather or lack of basic needs, authorities can intervene and cite the owner for cruelty.
Key Takeaways
- It is not illegal per se to tether a pet outside in Minnesota, but it is illegal to do so in a way that endangers the animal’s health or violates local ordinances.
- Cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis have specific rules about tether length, weight, supervision, and maximum time allowed.
- Leaving a pet chained outside without adequate shelter, food, water, or in extreme weather can result in criminal charges under animal cruelty laws.
If you live outside major cities, check your local ordinances, as many counties and municipalities have their own rules. When in doubt, always provide shelter, water, and supervision, and avoid leaving pets outside in extreme weather.
Would you like more details on a specific city’s rules or information about what to do if you see a pet left outside in dangerous conditions?
Sources:
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/st-paul-minnesota/
- https://www.foxnews.com/us/minnesota-man-cited-for-leaving-dog-chained-outside-in-freezing-cold
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/minneapolis-minnesota/
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/347.52
