Maryland has specific laws regulating the tethering (chaining, tying, or restraining) of dogs outdoors. These laws aim to protect dogs from neglect, injury, and exposure to harsh weather. The regulations exist at both the state and county levels, with some counties imposing stricter standards than the state minimum.
Statewide Maryland Law
The primary state law governing this issue is Maryland Criminal Law § 10-623. Here are the key points:
- General Restrictions:
It is illegal to leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint (such as a chain, rope, or tether) under certain conditions. The law prohibits:- Restraints that unreasonably limit the dog’s movement.
- Collars made primarily of metal or those that are too tight (not at least one inch larger than the dog’s neck circumference).
- Restricting access to clean water or appropriate shelter.
- Keeping dogs in unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
- Any restraint that causes injury to the dog.
- Weather-Related Restrictions:
A person may not leave a dog outside and unattended for more than 30 minutes without continuous access to:- Suitable shelter during extreme weather (below 32°F or during active winter/cold weather warnings).
- Suitable shelter or shade when temperatures exceed 90°F.
- Definition of Suitable Shelter:
Shelter must be ventilated, have a solid floor, a weatherproof roof, be enclosed with an entrance on one side, allow the dog to maintain normal body temperature, and be appropriate for the dog’s species, age, size, and condition1. - Penalties:
- Violating the restraint requirements is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
- Violating the weather-related provisions is a civil offense: first offense results in a warning, second offense can incur a civil penalty up to $500.
County-Specific Laws
Some Maryland counties have additional or stricter tethering laws:
Frederick County
- Dogs cannot be tethered to a stationary object for more than four hours in a 24-hour period.
- The tether must be at least four times the dog’s body length or a minimum of ten feet, and must be attached to a non-choke collar or harness.
- Tethers must have swivels at both ends to prevent entanglement.
- Violators have 30 days to provide alternative confinement, but this grace period is void if other animal care laws are broken.
Montgomery County
- Dogs may not be tethered for more than one hour cumulatively in a 24-hour period if left unattended.
- Tethering must not endanger the dog’s health, safety, or well-being.
- Only harnesses may be used for tethering.
- Tethers must be at least five times the dog’s length and not weigh more than 1/8 of the dog’s body weight.
Anne Arundel County
- Tethering is prohibited if the temperature is at or below 32°F or at or above 90°F.
- Dogs may only be tethered outdoors if a person 13 or older is present, outdoors, and has a direct line of sight to the dog, except for one 15-minute period per day.
- Tethers must be at least 10 feet long and must not endanger the dog’s health or safety.
Key Statewide Tethering Rules
| Condition | Legal Requirement | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Unreasonable restraint or injury | Prohibited | Misdemeanor: up to 90 days jail or $1,000 fine |
| No shelter in extreme weather (<32°F) | Max 30 minutes without suitable shelter | Civil offense: warning, then up to $500 fine |
| No shelter/shade in heat (>90°F) | Max 30 minutes without suitable shelter or shade | Civil offense: warning, then up to $500 fine |
| Restricting water or shelter | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
It is illegal in Maryland to leave your dog chained or tethered outside in a way that endangers its health, restricts its movement, or exposes it to extreme weather without proper shelter. Violations can result in warnings, fines, or even jail time, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Many counties, such as Frederick, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel, have enacted even stricter rules, so pet owners should always check their local ordinances in addition to state law.
If you are unsure whether your tethering practices comply with the law, err on the side of caution-provide continuous access to shelter, water, and supervision, and avoid leaving pets chained outside for extended periods, especially in extreme weather.
Sources
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/maryland/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2013/article-gcr/section-10-623/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/maryland/frederick-county-maryland/
- https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/maryland-bill-restricts-dog-tethering/
