Tethering/Chaining

Austin, Texas

2007

Dogs may not be tethered, with certain exemptions allowed.

§ 3-4-2 RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(A)  Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether unless the person is holding the chain or tether.

(B)  The prohibition of Subsection (A) does not apply to a temporary restraint:

(1)  during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity; or

(2)  that is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, if the dog’s owner or handler remains with the dog throughout the period of restraint.

(C)  A person restraining a dog with a chain or tether shall attach the chain or tether to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog. A person may not wrap a chain or tether directly around a dog’s neck. A person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether that weighs more than 1/18 of the dog’s body weight. A chain or tether used to restrain a dog must, by design and placement, be unlikely to become entangled.

(D)  A person may not restrain a dog in a manner that does not allow the dog to have access to necessary shelter and water.

(E)  A person may not restrain a dog in a manner that allows the dog to move outside the person’s property.

(F)  A person may not keep six or more dogs, other than puppies less than six months old, unless the dogs are kept in an enclosure that meets the requirements prescribed by Section 3-2-13 (Enclosure for Dogs).

Back to Search

Get PETA Updates

Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox!

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.

 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind