Ulster County, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Daily limit
- 5 consecutive hours max
- Overnight ban
- 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
- Min. tether length
- 10 ft or 5x dog's length
- 1st offense fine
- Up to $100
- 3rd offense
- $1,000 + registry listing
Summary
Ulster County limits how and how long a dog can be tethered outdoors, capping stationary restraint at five hours a day and requiring proper harness, length and shelter.
A dog shall not be tethered outside for longer than five consecutive hours in a twenty-four-hour period or a total time outside in excess of 10 hours and outside from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
J. In addition to the above requirements, tethered dogs must be free of cruel conditions or inhumane tethering at any time. For purposes of this section, "cruel conditions or inhumane tethering" shall include the following:
(1) Exposure to animal waste, garbage, noxious odors or objects that could injure or kill a dog.
(2) Exposure to taunting, prodding, provoking, hitting, harassing, threatening or otherwise harming a tethered dog.
(3) Exposing a dog to dangerous conditions, including potential attacks by other animals.
(4) Tethered on vacant property.
(5) Any tethering that causes injury or death.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4818905; v25 updated 2025-11-18; through 11-18-2025).
Full Breakdown
Countywide, a dog can't be tethered outside more than five consecutive hours in a 24-hour period, more than 10 hours total, or between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The tether must run at least 10 feet or five times the dog's body length, attach to a buckle collar or harness (no choke or pinch collars), and the dog needs shelter, shade, food and water. Tethering during declared weather alerts or extreme heat/cold is banned outright. This governs restraint conditions on the owner's own property, not a public leash-in-public rule; it drops out automatically in any city, town or village within the county that has its own tethering law.
Violations & Fines
First offense: up to $100 fine plus possible education requirement. Second: up to $500 plus 50 hours community service and investigation costs. Third and beyond: $1,000, 150 hours community service, possible surrender of the dog, and registration on the County's Animal Abuse Registry. Enforced by the Sheriff's office and local animal control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tether my dog in my backyard in Ulster County?
Does a City of Kingston or town tethering law override this?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ulster County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Ulster County to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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