Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-42, it is illegal in Rhode Island to keep a dog tethered outside in certain ways, though limited, supervised tethering is permitted. The law specifically bans permanent tethering that restricts a dog’s movement to less than 113 square feet (6-foot radius) and prohibits tethering for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
Key Restrictions Under Rhode Island State Law
Time Limits on Tethering
Space and Equipment Requirements
- Dogs cannot be tethered to an area smaller than 113 sq. ft. or a 6-foot radius at ground level
- Choke collars, head collars, and prong collars are prohibited for tethering
- The chain or tether weight cannot exceed 1/8 of the dog’s body weight
Weather and Shelter Rules
- Dogs cannot be tethered outside when the ambient temperature exceeds the Tufts Animal Care and Condition (TACC) Weather Safety Scale standards
- Dogs must have access to adequate shelter and water if kept outside tethered for more than 30 minutes
Exceptions to the Tethering Ban
Tethering is allowed if:
- Veterinary authorization: A licensed Rhode Island veterinarian provides written authorization for medical reasons, renewed annually, with shelter provided
- Animal control authorization: An animal control officer or police officer assigned to animal control provides written authorization for hunting dogs, livestock-guarding dogs, or sled dogs, renewed annually
Penalties for Violations
Violating Rhode Island’s dog tethering law is punishable by:
- Up to 11 months in jail
- Fines of $50 to $500
- Both jail and fines
- Each day of violation counts as a separate offense
Important Context: No Statewide Leash Law
Rhode Island does not have a statewide leash law, but municipalities have authority to create their own regulations. This means some cities or towns may have stricter rules than the state law, particularly regarding unattended tethering.
Bottom Line
It is not a blanket ban on chaining dogs outside in Rhode Island, but the law severely restricts it. You cannot leave a dog chained outside unattended for long periods, especially overnight, and you must meet strict requirements for space, equipment, weather conditions, and shelter. Permanent or overnight chaining is effectively illegal under state law.
SOURCES :
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/e
- https://eastprovidenceri.gov/news-announcements/police/ordinance-creates-kennel-license-forms-stricter-laws-protect-animals
