Is It Illegal to Chain a Dog in Missouri?

There may be different reasons why a dog owner may wish to chain the animal. Some are more rooted in convenience while others are rooted in restraint to avoid personal and property damage to other parties.

However, chaining and tethering laws vary tremendously from state to state, as this is not something that is guided at the federal level.

Even within states, it's quite typical for different locations to have different guidelines that may speak to the matter in the absence of a statewide law.

The question here is what do the Missouri laws have to say about chaining a dog?

State Laws on Leashing

Unlike some other U.S. states, there is no statewide leash or tethering law that provides governance. Nevertheless, other laws speak to keeping an animal sufficiently controlled, which is an attempt at reducing any harm to itself, people, and other animals.

After all, if a dog should bite another party with no provoking or otherwise understandable circumstances, the owner of the said dog would become liable.

The adequate control law, which is covered by the Missouri injury statute §578.005, speaks to the control measures that should be implemented.

Adequate Control

First, there's the matter of establishing the definition of the concept. Based on the statute, adequate control refers to the reasonable governance or restraint of an animal, which will prevent it from damaging property, or causing injury to other animals, itself, or another person.

This requirement does not extend to private property. However, there is an expectation that reasonable care will be taken in public spaces.

Park Regulations

In absence of leash laws, there are park regulations, for example, that speak to the matter. The most central among these establishes a requirement that a leash no longer than 10 feet should be used to restrain pets. Beyond this, supervision must be provided at all times.

Furthermore, as far as public swimming areas and beaches, historic buildings, among other notable spaces go, dogs are simply not allowed in them. Exceptions are made for service animals, which are required for those who have disabilities.

Those in violation of these established regulations can be given a citation.

Dangerous Dogs in St. Louis

As indicated before, with no state laws, Missouri cities tend to handle these things with their own regulations to compensate. Saint Louis is a perfect example as it has established strict dog control laws.

For example, people who know that they have dangerous dogs are required to warn others by affixing the relevant signage to their properties. Additionally, there is a mandatory requirement to have a homeowners insurance policy that values no less than $50,000.

There is even a regulation that prevents dangerous dogs from being taken off enclosed private properties without a muzzle and a substantial leash present.

Of course, the concept of a “dangerous dog” would be open to interpretation, so Saint Louis ordinances have provided a definition which is:

• While off the owner or guardian’s property, the dog has killed a domestic animal.

• Whether on public or private property, the dog has caused a severe injury to a human being with no provocation.

• A notification was received by the owner or guardian of the dog that it was potentially dangerous, followed by an aggressive attack, bite, or endangerment of other domestic animals or humans.

Should Saint Louis dog control laws be violated, there can be a fine of anywhere between $100 and $500.

Dog Bite Liability

Missouri, while it once used the “one free bite” dog liability rule, it now operates on the premise of strict liability. Regardless of what previous knowledge the owner may have or what measures of protection may have been taken, a dog bite injury that was inflicted in the absence of provocation or reasonable protection falls under the owner’s or guardian’s umbrella of responsibility. For legal guidance following an animal bite, contact a St Louis MO dog bite attorney at Powell Law Firm.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer in St. Louis Today!

Being bitten by a dog can be a life-changing event physically, emotionally, financially, and otherwise. Dog owners and guardians are meant to demonstrate responsibility in restraining their animals where required.

If someone else’s negligence led to your being bitten by their dog, you may be entitled to compensation. You need an experienced Saint Louis dog bite lawyer to build a strong case and prepare for potential defenses.

Schedule a free consultation with Powell Law Firm by calling (314) 470-1374.