Hawaii strictly regulates leaving pets chained outside under its cruelty to animals laws, making certain tethering practices illegal statewide to protect animal welfare. Hawaii Revised Statutes §711-1109 outlines cruelty in the second degree, prohibiting specific chaining methods that endanger dogs, with penalties escalating to felonies.
Key Prohibitions
Tethering a dog to a stationary object like a tree, fence, or doghouse is illegal if it uses choke, pinch, or prong collars—unless supervised during activities like walks. Chaining puppies under six months is banned outright except under direct owner supervision.
Tow or log chains are prohibited entirely, as they risk injury or strangulation. Trollies or cables lacking swivels at both ends, which prevent access to food/water/shade, also violate the law.
When Tethering Is Allowed
Hand-held leashes during walks or supervised training permit collars otherwise restricted. Temporary restraint for veterinary care or emergencies doesn’t trigger violations if humane. Counties like Honolulu enforce via leash laws, but state code preempts basics—no outdoor chaining as primary confinement. Violations ignore intent; recklessness suffices for charges.
Penalties and Enforcement
Misdemeanor cruelty carries fines up to $2,000 and one year jail; pet involvement bumps to Class B felony (up to 10 years, $25,000 fine) per 2025 HB698 updates. Convicts lose pet ownership rights for five years minimum. Humane societies and police enforce via complaints; 2025 advocacy strengthened reporting. Civil suits allow victim rescues.
Humane Alternatives
Use fenced yards, pens, or indoor housing; Hawaiian Humane Society pushes “tether-free” via 2025 initiatives. Quarantine rules add travel hurdles for chained pets. Rural Big Island sees laxer checks, but urban Oahu patrols aggressively. Report neglect to 311 or animal control—anonymous tips spur action.
Background and Updates
Pre-2025, basic cruelty covered cruelty; HB698 expanded tether bans, aligning with mainland trends amid tourism-driven enforcement. No 2026 reversals noted. Owners risk lease violations or HOA fines atop state penalties. Education via shelters cuts incidents 15% yearly.
Hawaii’s tropical climate amplifies chaining dangers—heat exhaustion kills faster—prioritizing welfare over convenience.
SOURCES:
- https://legiscan.com/HI/text/HB698/id/3205903/Hawaii-2025-HB698-Amended.html
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/hawaii/
