State Laws For Dogs. . .
Many states have passed laws with very strict standards for shelter for "outside dogs."
Here are some examples:
A Generic Model Ordinance For Towns And Cities
Upon direct observation or receipt of a complaint of a dog kept outside, the humane officer or law enforcement officer shall contact the dog's owner and shall explain requirements for shelter/tethering in the town/city of ______________________, as below. The officer shall offer options for assistance to the dog owner to resolve problems resulting in the dog being kept outside and will establish a timeframe with the owner in which problems must be resolved. The officer will confirm with a written agreement, delivered within 5 days, via US Mail or e-mail. The written agreement will be signed by both the humane officer and the dog owner.
The officer may visit the property, unannounced, during the contract period and if the officer observes that the dog is in distress he/she may enter the property to provide food, water and appropriate bedding. The officer will notify the owner of the problems encountered in writing, by US Mail or e-mail. After three warnings, or failure to meet the contract requirements in the established timeframe the humane officer may refer the case to local law enforcement for possible criminal charges under NH RSA 644:8. The humane officer may also extend the contract period with the dog's owner if there are mitigating circumstances.
In the town/city of _________________________, shelter for dogs must be moisture proof, wind proof, of adequate, durable material, have a moisture-proof floor at least 3 inches off the ground, with a roof that extends 8 inches over the doorway that does not permit rain to enter the shelter. The shelter may not be constructed of metal or any other material that readily conducts heat and cold. All shelters must have a windbreak and suitable clean bedding materials that do not retain moisture.
Between May 1 and September 1 dogs must have access to one or more areas of shade by natural or artificial means, large enough to accommodate the entire body of the dog.
No dog shall be left outside for more than 15 minutes during any period in which a severe weather advisory or warning has been issued by the National Weather Service or the temperature is below _____ degrees or above _____ degrees.
Tethering: Dogs shall not be kept on a permanent tether. Tethers shall not restrict movement of the dog in less than a 6 ft radius, or 113 square feet. Choke or prong collars shall not be used to tether dogs. Dogs shall not be tethered for more than 8 hours in a 24 hour period.
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