The following communities have either banned tethering or chaining or have included tethering or chaining provisions in their animal protection ordinances:

Maumelle, Ala.
Tucson, Ariz.
Hemet, Calif.
Fremont, Calif.
San Diego, Calif.
San Jose, Calif.
Denver, Colo.
Okaloosa, Fla.
Aurora, Ill.
Overland Park, Kan.
Jefferson City, Ky.
Baton Rouge, La.
Ouichita, La.
St. Charles Parish, La.
Rockville, Md.
Eagan, Minn.
Raytown, Mo.
Southhaven, Miss.
Catawba County, N.C.
Greenville, N.C.
New Hanover, N.C.
Lincoln, Neb.
Bernalillo County, N.M.
Lawton, Okla.
Midwest City, Okla.
Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Allen, Tex.
Electra, Tex.
Waco, Tex.

Chaining is prohibited in the following communities:

Maumelle, Ark.

The ordinance, which is regarded as the first of its kind, prohibits tethering dogs to stationary objects, such as dog houses. In addition, it requires that dogs be provided with approved housing:

Confinement of Animals: From and after the passage of this Ordinance any person owning animals whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, licensed or unlicensed, shall confine such animal within an adequate fence or enclosure, or within a house, garage or other building in conformance with Maumelle Bill of Assurance or its successor. Animals shall not be tied or chained to dog houses, or other stationary objects, but must be in an approved enclosure. Sterilized cats are exempt from confinement.

The ordinance also mandates that dog enclosures must provide at least one hundred and fifty square feet of space for dogs over six months of age.

Okaloosa, Fla.

Tethering dogs and cats is prohibited

Sec. 5-28. Restraint and confinement to property. (d) Dogs or cats shall not be chained, tied, fastened or otherwise tethered to dog houses, trees, fences or other stationary objects as a means of confinement to property.

New Hanover, N.C.

Chaining or tethering dogs is prohibited. A chain or rope is not to be used in place of a leash when walking dogs.

Sec. 3.4 (d) Restraint: An animal is under restraint within the meaning of this chapter if it is controlled by means of a leash, or is sufficiently near the owner or handler to e under his direct control and is obedient to that person’s command; or is on or within a vehicle being driven or parked; or is within a secure enclosure. Exceptions to restraint are as follows: Organized and lawful animal functions e.g. hunting, obedience training, field and water training, law enforcement training and/or in the pursuit of working or competing in those legal endeavors. When a dog is on the property of its owner of guardian it shall be secured when not supervised by a competent person. Ropes, chains, and the like shall not constitute adequate security under this ordinance.

Lawton, Okla.

This ordinance specifies that a dog may not be chained in his or her own yard.

A. No person shall, at any time, fasten, chain, or tie any dog or cause such dog to be fastened, chained or tied while such dog is on the dog owner’s property or on the property of the dog owner’s landlord.
B. Any dogs confined within a fenced yard must have an adequate space for exercise based on a dimension of at least one hundred square feet. Provided, further that where dogs are kept or housed on property without a fenced yard, the owner of such dogs or persons having custody of such dogs shall provide an enclosure for such dogs meeting the one hundred square feet dimension. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of such enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements. (Ord. 90-18, 6/26/01)

Electra, Tex.

Tethering is prohibited, but dogs may be controlled by the hand-held use of a rope, leash, or chain.

Ordinance 96-9, Section 111, Restraint: A. 2. Dogs To Be Restrained—dogs shall not be allowed to run at large. All dogs must be restrained by some physical means; however, a dog shall not be considered at large when held or controlled by some person by means of a rope, leash, or chain. Dogs may not be tethered and the tethering of any dog shall be a violation of this chapter.

The following communities permit animals to be chained for a limited period of time.

Denver, Colo.

Dogs may not be chained for a period longer than one hour on a chain less than six feet in length.

Sec. 8-131. Cruelty to animals prohibited. (b) It shall specifically be cruel, dangerous or inhumane for any person to: (3) Tether and leave, or permit to be left, unattended any animal on a leash, cord or chain of less than six feet in length for longer than one hour.

Overland Park, Kan.

Some relief from chaining must be granted.

Chap. 6.09.025 A. No owner, keeper or harborer of an animal shall fail to provide the animal with adequate care, adequate food, adequate water, adequate health care, and adequate shelter. Such shelter should be clean, dry, and compatible with the condition, age and species. An animal must also have the opportunity for adequate daily exercise. This requires that an owner must offer some freedom from continuous chaining, stabling and tethering. All restraints placed on an animal must be such that it prevents the animal from being tangled or injured by the restraint. The area where animals are kept must also be kept free from unsanitary conditions and vermin-harboring debris.

Jefferson County, Ky.

Chaining a dog for more than eight hours in a twenty-four hour period is prohibited.

1. For all animals except puppies and dogs, restraint shall mean on the premises of the owner, or if off the premises of the owner, under restraint by means of a lead or leash and under the control of a responsible person.
2. For puppies and dogs restraint shall mean on the premises of the owner and confined in a secure enclosure as previously defined, or accompanied by the owner on the owner’s property and under their direct control. If off the premises of the owner, the animal must be restrained by a lead or leash and under the control of a responsible person.
3. A dog or puppy may be restrained by a fixed point chain or tether for no more than eight hours in a twenty-four hour period
4. A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least ten feet in length and attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least ten feet in length and mounted no more than seven feet above ground level.
5. Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owners property.
6. No chain or tether shall weigh more than 1/8 of the dog or puppy's body weight.
7. Any chain or tether shall be at least ten (10) feet in length and have swivels on both ends.
8. Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the animal.

(C)Any dog or cat which is impounded a second time for violation of restraint requirements within a twelve month period, the owner shall have the animal spayed or neutered within seven days of the redemption. Verification from the veterinarian performing the surgery shall be provided to the Division in writing within seven days of the surgery.

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Animals may not be restrained for more than eight hours in a twenty-four hour period.

(b) A dog or puppy may be restrained by a fixed point chain or tether for no more than eight hours in a twenty-four hour period.
(c) A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least ten feet in length, with swivels on both ends, and is properly attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least ten feet in length and mounted at least four feet and no more than seven feet above ground level in a manner so as not to interfere or become entangled with objects on the property.
(d) Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner’s property.
(e) No chain or tether shall weigh more than one-eighth of the dog or puppy’s body weight.
(f) Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog or puppy.

Norfolk, Va.

Animals may not be tethered for more than twelve hours in a twenty-four hour period.

Chap. 6-1. When an animal is tethered, "adequate space" means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age, size, and health of the animal; is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from gaining access to public thoroughfares, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least five (5) feet in length or three (3) times the length of the animal whichever is longer, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to professionally accepted standards for the species is considered provision of adequate space. Provided, however, that no animal shall be tethered for more than twelve (12) hours in a twenty-four-hour period.
Ordinances that protect animals other than dogs.

Tucson, Ariz.

Tucson’s ordinance does not apply solely to dogs. A person has thirty days once they are found chaining an animal to provide other means of confinement, as long as other conditions of confinement and care are being met.

Tucson Code Sec. 4-3(2) Tieouts (tethering) are prohibited. However, if an animal is found on a tieout, the owner of the animal may be permitted to keep the animal on the tieout for less than, but in no case more than, thirty (30) days from the discovery of the tieout. In determining whether to grant this permission, the enforcement agent may take into consideration the owner’s past record with the subject animal and with other animals. In addition, this permission may be granted only on condition that the owner and the tieout, when found, are in compliance with all the applicable laws relating to animals, including the tieout provisions of former subsection (e)(2) which were as follows:

On a tieout, consisting of a chain, leash, wire cable or similar restraint attached to a swivel or pulley. A tieout shall be so located as to keep the animal exclusively on the secured premises. Tieouts shall be so located that they cannot become entangled with other objects. Collars used to attach an animal to a tieout shall not be of a choke type. No tieout shall employ a restraint which is less than ten (10) feet in length.
Further, the grace period is null and void immediately if the owner and the Tieout are not, at any time during the grace period, in compliance with the afore-mentioned tieout provisions and all the other applicable laws relating to animals.
Non-compliance with any of the foregoing provisions in this subsection (e)(2) may result in the impoundment of the animal at any time.
[Additional language requires a hearing]
(3) Temporary tethering for horses is exempt from the provisions of subsection (e)(2) above.

Sec. 4.97(2)
It shall be unlawful for any dog owned, possessed, kept, or harbored or maintained to be at large upon or about the private property of any person, including that of the owner of such dog. Confinement shall be accomplished by means of a fence or similar enclosure of sufficient strength and height to prevent the dog from escaping therefrom, or inside a house or other building.
(3)Temporary tethering for horses is exempt from the provisions of Tucson Code, subsection 4-3(2)(e)(2).
Sec. 4-3(4). Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Southhaven, Miss.

This law applies to animals living on farms.

Sec. 3-12. Livestock running at large or allowed on streets, sidewalks.
It shall be unlawful for any person who may own or have in his possession or control any horse, mule, ox, cow, yearling, sheep, goat or hog to intentionally, knowingly, carelessly or negligently permit such animals to run or be at large at any time within the corporate limits of the city. It shall also be unlawful for any person who may own or have in his possession or control any animal mentioned in this section to stake or tether such animal on any vacant property in the city adjacent to any street or sidewalk or so near thereto as to allow or permit such animal to be or go upon any sidewalk or street within the corporate limits of the city. Horses used by the police department shall be excluded from this prohibition.

Raytown, Mo.

This ordinance provides protection for fowl, in addition to other animals.

Sec. 4-17. Cruelty to animals and fowl.
(h)No persons shall tether, confine or restrain any animal in such a way as to permit said animal to become frequently entangled in such tether, or to render said animal incapable of consuming food or water provided for it or prevent said animal from moving to adequate shelter.

Allen, Tex.

Dogs, fowl, and other animals are protected under this law.

Chapter 3 ANIMALS AND FOWL
Sec. 3-17. Tying dogs and other animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog or other animal to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by the animal control officer.

Waco, Tex.

Female dogs and cats who are in heat may not be tethered.

Sec. 5-93. Animal in heat.
Any person who owns, harbors or keeps any female dog or cat shall, during the period that such animal is in heat or in estrus, shall keep such dog or cat in a secured area that prevents a male dog or cat from having access to such female except for controlled breeding permitted by the owner of the female. Additionally, the female dog or cat shall not be chained or tethered in a manner that prevents her from defending herself or from avoiding a male.
The ordinances that follow prohibiting tethering animals in public.

Freemont, Calif.

Refers to dogs in public.

Sec. 3-5806. Confinement of dogs; zero lot lines.
No person shall, within three feet of any zero lot line wall or quasi-zero lot line wall of any neighboring single-family detached dwelling, confine any dog, whether by tether, barrier, or any other means, to an area of less than nine hundred (900) square feet.
As used in this section, "zero lot line wall" means a wall constructed on a lot line, and "quasi-zero lot line wall" means a wall constructed on a boundary of an easement conferring on the owner of adjacent property (the dominant tenement) a right of use for recreation and/or landscaping.
3-5503. Tethering animals along public right-of-way.
No unattended animal shall be tethered upon or along any public right-of-way.

Hemet, Calif.

Tethered animals must be confined to their own yards.

Sec. 10-39. Prohibited acts.
(10)For any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to cause or permit or allow the dog to be staked out in such a manner that the rope or other attachment by which such animal is tethered permits the animal to be or to go beyond the boundaries of the unenclosed private lot or land.

Southhaven, Miss.

The following animals may not be tethered with access to a street or sidewalk within city limits.

Sec. 3-12. Livestock running at large or allowed on streets, sidewalks.
It shall be unlawful for any person who may own or have in his possession or control any horse, mule, ox, cow, yearling, sheep, goat or hog to intentionally, knowingly, carelessly or negligently permit such animals to run or be at large at any time within the corporate limits of the city. It shall also be unlawful for any person who may own or have in his possession or control any animal mentioned in this section to stake or tether such animal on any vacant property in the city adjacent to any street or sidewalk or so near thereto as to allow or permit such animal to be or go upon any sidewalk or street within the corporate limits of the city. Horses used by the police department shall be excluded from this prohibition.

Eagan, Minn.

Animals may not be tethered in public parks.

Sec. 10.23. Rules and regulations governing public parks and recreation areas. Subd. 3. Unlawful acts (animals in the park).
It is unlawful for any person, in any park or recreation area, to:
C. Permit a creature to disturb, harass, or interfere with or endanger any visitor or visitor's property, or tether any creature to a tree, plant, building or park equipment.

Lincoln, Neb.

Animals may not be tethered unattended in public, on sidewalks, or on streets.

6.04.330 Tethered Animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, chain, or fasten any animal in such a manner as to permit it to be upon any public sidewalk or street or to leave it unattended while tethered, chained, or fastened on public property. It shall be unlawful to tether, chain, or fasten an animal in such a manner as to cause it injury or pain or not permit it to reach shelter, food, and water.

Allen, Tex.

This ordinance applies to tying dogs and other animals.

Sec. 3-17. It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog or other animal to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by the animal control officer.
The following are ordinances that apply to certain types of dogs.

Freemont, Calif.

Dangerous dogs may not be tethered.

Sec. 3-51434. Restraint requirements for dangerous dogs.
When confined in an enclosure the dog shall be provided access to adequate shelter from the elements, food, and water and shall not be tethered.

San Diego, Calif.

This ordinance pertains to dogs who are kept as “guard dogs.”

SEC. 62.685. GUARD DOGS.
(a)GENERAL PROVISIONS. Any "Guard Dog Operator," in addition to any requirements of The Dog Act of 1969 (Health And Safety Code 25970 et seq.), shall:
(7) In addition, ensure that each dog, whether or not on duty, is visited at least once every twelve (12) hours and that each dog has adequate food, water and shelter. Any dog which is sick or injured shall be provided proper care and attention and, if on duty, shall be removed from the site. Dogs shall not be kept or maintained on a chain or tether. Dogs shall not be kept or maintained, for any period of time, in an enclosure area with less than twelve feet by five feet (12' x 5') floor space or in any enclosure area without adequate ventilation.

San Jose, Calif.

“Vicious dogs” may not be tethered as a sole means of confinement.

7.08.1120 Requirements for muzzling and leashing.
When a vicious dog is even temporarily other than indoors or in a securely enclosed, escapeproof, locked kennel, pen or other place which complies with Section 7.08.1110, the owner or person with a right to control the dog shall keep the dog:
A. On a leash not to exceed three feet in length. The leash must be capable of restraining four times the weight of the dog. The leash must be attached to an escapeproof commercial quality walking harness which fastens securely across the shoulders and midchest encompassing the rib area and upper abdomen of the dog. No neck collar of any type or material will be sufficient to satisfy the above requirements. Vicious dogs shall not be leashed or tethered at any time to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, or buildings except when the dog is inside a securely enclosed, escapeproof locked kennel or pen.

Midwest City, Okla.

This law applies to dogs in vehicles.

Sec. 8-1. Cruelty to animals; abandonment; etc.
(e)Transporting of dogs in vehicles. Dogs shall be transported in an enclosure which shall prevent escape. The dog shall not be tethered, roped or chained or restrained in a manner which will cause or is likely to cause physical injury or suffering.

Waco, Tex.

Female dogs and cats may not be tethered while in heat.

Sec. 5-93. Animal in heat.
Any person who owns, harbors or keeps any female dog or cat shall, during the period that such animal is in heat or in estrus, shall keep such dog or cat in a secured area that prevents a male dog or cat from having access to such female except for controlled breeding permitted by the owner of the female. Additionally, the female dog or cat shall not be chained or tethered in a manner that prevents her from defending herself or from avoiding a male.
Ordinances that permit tethering, provided other conditions for their care are met.

Hemet, Calif.

Sec. 10-39. Prohibited acts.
(10)For any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to cause or permit or allow the dog to be staked out in such a manner that the rope or other attachment by which such animal is tethered permits the animal to be or to go beyond the boundaries of the unenclosed private lot or land.

Freemont, Calif.

Chained animals must be free from danger of becoming entangled, and must have access to food, water, and shelter.

Sec. 3-5606. Animal restraints.
When a chain, rope or other restraint is used to tether an animal, it shall be so placed or attached that it cannot become entangled with the chain of any other animal or with any other object. It shall be affixed by means of a well-fitted collar, and shall be at least four times the length of the animal as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail and shall allow the animal convenient access to food, water and shelter adequate to protect the animal from the elements.

Aurora, Ill.

This ordinance specifies what the minimum length of the tethering device must be and prohibits devices that can become entangled.

Sec. 9-22. No person or owner shall treat any animal cruelly in any manner, including, but not limited to the following: (9) By tethering any animal to a fixed object unless such chains, ropes or leashes are so placed or attached that they cannot become entangled with another animal or object, and shall be of sufficient length in proportion to the size of the animal to allow the animal proper exercise and convenient access to food, water and shelter. Such tethering shall be located so as not to allow such animal to trespass on public property or private property belonging to others, nor in such a manner as to cause harm or danger to persons or other animals.

Catawba County, N.C.

(D) Chaining or tethering an animal to a stationary object for a period of time or under conditions that an animal control officer or animal cruelty investigator deems harmful or potentially harmful to the animal. Examples of improper chaining or tethering include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Using a length or weight of a chain or tether that is not appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. Guidelines for the proper weight and length of chains or tethers can be obtained from the animal shelter or animal control
(2) Using a chain or tether made of rope, twine, cord or similar material.
(3) Using a chain or tether that is less than 10 feet in length and/or does not have swivels on both ends. All chains or tethers must be attached to the animal by means of a properly fitting harness or collar of not less than one inch in width.
(4) Using a chain or tether that exceeds then percent of the animal’s body weight.
(5) Allowing an animal to be chained or tethered such that the animal is not confined to the owner’s property or such that the chain or tether can become entangled and prevent the animal from moving about freely, lying down comfortable or having access to adequate food, water and shelter.
(6) Using a chain as a primary collar. All collars used for the purpose of chaining or tethering an animal must be made of nylon or leather.

Greenville, N.C.

This ordinance outlines what kind of tether may be used.

c. 4-5. Animal care generally.
(c)Any chain, leash, or similar device for animal restraint shall be designed and placed to prevent choking or injury to the animal. The restraining device shall be at least ten feet in length and placed on a swivel or on a chain run.

Bernalillo County, N.M.

The tethering device must be in working condition.

(10)Restraint of animals shall be accomplished by adequate fencing maintained at all times to contain the animals, or by the use of tethers or chains that are tangle-free, well-fitted, and equipped with a swivel device for attachment to the animal’s collar or harness.

Raytown, Mo.

Tethered animals must be free from danger of becoming entangled, and must have access to food, water, and shelter.

Sec. 4-17. Cruelty to animals and fowl.
(h)No persons shall tether, confine or restrain any animal in such a way as to permit said animal to become frequently entangled in such tether, or to render said animal incapable of consuming food or water provided for it or prevent said animal from moving to adequate shelter.

Lincoln, Neb.

Chaining that cause pain or injury or inhibits access to food, water, and shelter is prohibited.

The Lincoln ordinance prohibits chaining methods that cause an animal injury or pain or prevent it from reaching food, water, and shelter.
6.04.330 Tethered Animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, chain, or fasten any animal in such a manner as to permit it to be upon any public sidewalk or street or to leave it unattended while tethered, chained, or fastened on public property. It shall be unlawful to tether, chain, or fasten an animal in such a manner as to cause it injury or pain or not permit it to reach shelter, food, and water.

Ouichita, La.

Tethered animals must have access to food, water and shelter.

Sec. 3-46. Crimes; misdemeanors.
(4) Cruelty to animals. The following acts and omissions constitute cruel treatment to animals; therefore, it shall be a misdemeanor for any person, firm or corporation to:
d. Tether, confine, or restrain any animal in such a way as to permit said animal to become entangled in such tether, or render said animal incapable of consuming food and water for more than twenty-four (24) hours; or from obtaining shelter from the elements.

Baton Rouge, La.

This ordinance specifies where an animal can be tethered and how long the tethering device must be.

Sec. 14:203. Minimum requirements for dog and cat pens and yards.
(6)Tethers used to restrict the animal to the confines of its owner's property shall be minimum length of five (5) times the length of the animal, as measured from the nostrils to the base of the tail. Tethers shall restrict the animal to its owner's property. The area shall be kept free of obstructions to prevent entanglement. No tethered animal shall be allowed to endanger the health, safety or welfare of others.

St. Charles Parish, La.

This ordinance specifies a minimum length for the tethering device, prohibits tethers that may entangle an animal, and prohibits tethering where an animal may pose a threat to public safety.

Sec. 4-13. Dogs on tethers.
If a dog is confined on a tether, the tether shall be equipped with swivel ends and be positioned to prevent tangling and/or hanging. The tethered dog shall wear a properly fitted harness or buckle-type collar. A properly installed and positioned running line is preferable to a stationary tether. The line must be at least five times the length of the dog. The dog cannot be tethered in an area which would pose a threat to public safety and health.

Rockville, Md.

This ordinance recommends against chaining, but specifies that chains must be at least ten feet long, and that the animal must be chained in his or her yard.

Sec. 3-26. Cruelty to animals.
(5)The continuous maintenance of a dog on a chain or tether is not recommended. Such confinement, however, if used requires a chain or tether of at least ten (10) feet in length, positioned so that at its greatest length prevents the dog from becoming entangled with any obstruction, from partially or totally jumping any fence, or leaving any part of its owner's property.

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

(c) A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least ten feet in length, with swivels on both ends, and is properly attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least ten feet in length and mounted at least four feet and no more than seven feet above ground level in a manner so as not to interfere or become entangled with objects on the property.
(d) Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner’s property.
(e) No chain or tether shall weigh more than one-eighth of the dog or puppy’s body weight.
(f) Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog or puppy.

Norfolk, Va.

Chap. 6-1. When an animal is tethered, "adequate space" means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age, size, and health of the animal; is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from gaining access to public thoroughfares, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least five (5) feet in length or three (3) times the length of the animal whichever is longer, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to professionally accepted standards for the species is considered provision of adequate space. Provided, however, that no animal shall be tethered for more than twelve (12) hours in a twenty-four-hour period.