Expert: Robin Flynn - 4/25/2007

Question
I have a question about my rights as a owner of a dog, to tie my dog up outside my gym for a hr when working. She is very friendly and can be seen the whole time i am inside. I heard it was against the law to tie a dog up anywhere. Please let me know... Thank you...Matt

Answer
Hi Matt,

There may be a city ordinance or town/state law prohibiting you from trying your dog up in a public area.  I don’t know where you live so it is difficult for me to say either way. However, you can contact your local animal control officer or SPCA and ask them. However, I should tell you as an animal advocate I wouldn’t recommend trying your dog up without your supervision in order to protect your dog. I live in a large city with constant pedestrians moving about everyday and recently a dog who was tied up to a post outside a busy shopping center was stolen and nobody saw anything. I have also read stories where dogs are mauled by other dogs walking by and the owner is unable to control their dog and the poor dogs that are tied up could not protect themselves. Laws exist for a reason. If you find there is not a law in your area and you have the right to tie your dog up outside your gym please reconsider doing this for the safety of your dog.  

For the Animals,
Robin