Many pet owners wonder if it’s okay to leave their dog tied up outside, especially for long hours or overnight. In South Dakota, the rules can be confusing because the state doesn’t have a clear law that bans chaining pets.
But there are other animal safety laws that still apply. Let’s take a closer look at what’s allowed and what’s not when it comes to chaining pets in South Dakota.
What the State Law Says About Chaining Pets
South Dakota does not have a state law that bans chaining or tethering pets. This means it’s not illegal statewide to leave your pet tied up outside. As long as the pet is not being harmed or neglected, chaining is allowed by state law.
Animal Cruelty and Neglect Rules Still Apply
Even though chaining isn’t banned, South Dakota has strong animal cruelty laws. These laws make it illegal to mistreat, abandon, or neglect animals. The law clearly says that anyone who owns or cares for an animal must not:
“No person owning or responsible for the care of an animal may neglect, abandon, or mistreat the animal.”
So if a dog is left chained without food, water, shelter, or is out in dangerous weather, the owner could face legal trouble. Depending on how serious the case is, it can be treated as a misdemeanor or even a felony.
Local Laws May Be Stricter
Even though the state law allows chaining, some cities and counties in South Dakota have their own rules. In certain areas, chaining a dog outside is only allowed under specific conditions. For example, some cities may say that if you leave a dog outside alone, it must be in a secure kennel, not on a chain.
This means you should always check the local animal control rules in your area. Local laws can be more strict than state laws.
Tips for Safe Chaining
If you do chain your pet outside, there are still some basic care rules you must follow:
Provide clean drinking water at all times
Make sure the pet has proper shelter from the sun, wind, and cold
The tether should not hurt the pet or be too short
Never leave a pet chained during extreme weather like heatwaves or blizzards
Authorities can step in if they see a pet in danger or distress while chained.
Sources:
1. https://dogtime.com/reference/106765-south-dakota-dog-laws-2023-rabies-dog-bites-dog-cruelty-and-dog-chains
2. https://aldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/SOUTH-DAKOTA.pdf
3. https://www.animallaw.info/statute/sd-cruelty-consolidated-cruelty-statutes
