It is not illegal to leave a dog chained outside in Maine, provided the owner follows specific animal welfare regulations.
Maine law permits tethering or chaining a dog, but mandates that it be done in a way that does not cause harm, pain, or suffering to the animal. The law is designed to ensure that tethered dogs are treated humanely and have their basic needs met.
Shelter and Environmental Protection
Owners must provide proper shelter, protection from the weather, and clean conditions for any dog left tethered outside. The shelter must be appropriate for the dog’s breed and the local climate.
Metal barrels are not considered adequate shelter. During periods of extreme weather—such as severe cold, heat, hurricanes, tropical storms, or wind chill warnings—tethering a dog outdoors is prohibited, except for certain arctic breeds.
Tethering Requirements
When tethering is the primary means of confining a dog (used for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period), the chain or tether must be at least five times the length of the dog, measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.
For sled dogs or dogs used in competition, the tether can be shorter: at least 2.5 times the dog’s length for a stationary anchor, or 1.5 times for a pivot point allowing 360° movement.
The tether must be attached to both the dog and the anchor using swivels to prevent entanglement, and it must be connected to a well-fitted collar or harness. The use of choke or pinch collars for tethering is prohibited.
Daily Care and Supervision
Dogs must have access to clean, unfrozen water and suitable food at all times. They must be removed from the tether or chain for at least three consecutive hours each day, during which time they may not be confined in any enclosure other than a fenced yard that provides adequate space for exercise. The weight or gauge of the chain or tether must be appropriate for the dog and not unduly burden the animal.
Enforcement and Penalties
Local authorities, including veterinarians and humane agents, can issue warnings or take action if these regulations are violated.
If a dog’s health or safety is endangered due to improper tethering, the owner may face legal repercussions, including fines and criminal charges for animal cruelty. Animal cruelty in Maine is a Class D crime, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Summary Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tethering Allowed? | Yes, with strict regulations |
| Shelter Required? | Yes, if weather is adverse or tethering is primary confinement |
| Minimum Tether Length | 5x dog’s length (nose to tail base); less for Arctic/sled/competition dogs |
| Collar/Tether Safety | Swivel attachment, well-fitted collar/harness, no choke/pinch collars |
| Animal Cruelty Penalty | Up to 364 days in jail and $2,000 fine |
Sources:
1. https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/7/title7sec4015.html
2. https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
3. https://www.animallaw.info/content/map-state-dog-tethering-laws
