In Rhode Island, it is not outright illegal to leave your pet dog chained or tethered outside, but there are strict regulations in place to ensure the dog’s welfare and safety.
Key Legal Restrictions on Tethering Dogs in Rhode Island
Minimum Space: You cannot keep a dog on a permanent tether that restricts its movement to an area less than 113 square feet, or less than a 6-foot radius at ground level.
Tethering Devices: It is prohibited to tether a dog using a choke-type collar, head collar, or prong-type collar. The weight of any chain or tether must not exceed one-eighth (⅛) of the dog’s total body weight.
Duration of Tethering: A dog cannot be tethered for more than ten (10) hours in a 24-hour period, or confined in an area or primary enclosure for more than fourteen (14) hours in a 24-hour period, unless the area meets specific size requirements set by state regulations.
Nighttime Restrictions: Tethering a dog between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited, except for a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes.
Weather Conditions: You cannot keep any dog outside, either tethered or otherwise confined, when the ambient temperature is beyond the industry standard for the weather safety scale as set forth in the most recent Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale (TACC).
While not codified in the exact same language, there have also been legislative proposals to specifically prohibit tethering dogs outside and unattended in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or below, or 90°F (32°C) or above, for more than 30 minutes.
Access to Shelter and Water: Owners must provide adequate shelter and water. Some local ordinances, such as in East Providence, further require that a dog not be kept outside, tethered, penned, caged, fenced, or otherwise confined for more than 30 minutes without access to adequate shelter or water.
Medical Exemptions: The above restrictions do not apply if tethering or confinement is authorized for medical reasons by a licensed veterinarian, with annual renewal and shelter provided.
Summary Table
| Restriction | Rhode Island Law Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum space | 113 sq. ft. or 6-foot radius |
| Collar/tether type | No choke, head, or prong collars; tether ≤ 1/8 dog’s body weight |
| Maximum tethering time | 10 hours in 24 hours |
| Maximum enclosure confinement | 14 hours in 24 hours |
| Nighttime tethering | Prohibited 10 p.m.–6 a.m., except ≤15 minutes |
| Extreme weather | Prohibited to keep dog outside per TACC Weather Safety Scale |
| Shelter/water access | Required at all times |
| Medical exemptions | Allowed with vet authorization |
Sources:
1. https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-4/chapter-4-13/section-4-13-42/
2. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/rhode-island/
3. https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-4-animals-and-animal-husbandry/ri-gen-laws-sect-4-13-42/
