ANIMAL LAW COALITION
It's Time To Get Dogs Off Chains: Commit To Unchaining Dogs In Your Community!
February 14, 2007: 12:00 AM

The anti-tethering or anti-chaining movement is gaining momentum. Several communities and states have taken steps to ban or restrict tethering and chaining of dogs. In 2006, notably, California passed a state law essentially banning chaining of dogs for more than 3 hours. Bills are pending in Nevada, and Pennsylvania to restrict the tethering or chaining of dogs. New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Maryland considered anti-tethering or anti-chaining laws in 2006. Albuquerque passed a law in 2006 that limits chaining of dogs to one hour each day. In the last few months Indianapolis and Louisville passed laws that restrict chaining of dogs. Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee and dozens of other communities have taken steps in the last year to take dogs off chains and into fenced yards. Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, faces charges of theft in Blair County, PA because she saved a dog dying on a chain. “Why get a dog and then chain them up outside away from everyone? They are companion animals, very social and we should be concerned with their well-being, after all, they are living, feeling creatures and deserve better then such neglect- all living things need physical contact and something to do. Get a burglar alarm instead. If people would just take the time, dogs can be properly trained and be acceptable house pets. It's our responsibility to do the right thing.”

Make it a priority in 2007 to unchain dogs and other animals in your state or community.
Here are some reasons why:

Local Shelter – January, 2005 : Many dogs spend their entire lives in “solitary confinement,” lonely and trapped at the end of a chain or in a small pen, where they suffer through frightening thunderstorms, suffocating heat, and bitter cold. They are aching for friendship and attention but are left all alone, often without vital medical care. We can't think of a crueler punishment for these social pack animals who want—and deserve—companionship, scratches behind the ears, walks around the block, and the opportunity to curl up at your feet at night. LIFE ON A CHAIN IS NO LIFE AT ALL!

The United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Register - July, 1996: “Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury. Many have died miserably, left out and exposed to the elements, even those with a dog house.”

American Veterinary Medical Association, May 15, 2002: "Confine your dog in a fenced yard or dog run when it is not in the house. Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior." Dogs can also choke to death when their chains became entangled with other objects, or develop infections and severe wounds when collars become embedded in their necks.

Chained dogs typically lack adequate veterinary care, food, water, or shelter. They are rarely exercised or interact with their families. They are often “forgotten” and left out in extreme weather and die of overexposure. These dogs suffer from neglect. Even if they are not left without adequate care, they lead an unhappy, frustrating existence. Dogs on chains suffer intense boredom, anxiety, even neuroses; their lives are very sad and lonely.

Center for Disease Control & Prevention – August, 2000: A chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog. Chained dogs can become aggressive due to intense confinement and lack of socialization. They also feel trapped, unable to escape from noises, people, or animals that frighten them.

Lawrence County, Kansas, two years ago, adopted an anti-tethering ordinance prohibiting dog owners from keeping dogs chained outside. In 2005, there were 800 calls to the Lawrence Humane Society concerning cruelty to dogs and dog fighting; in 2006 as of September 1, there were only 260 complaints. City officials attribute the decline in large part to the anti-tethering ordinance.

Chaining is prohibited/restricted in the following communities: Fairhope Alabama - Little Rock & Maumelle Arkansas - LA, Kern & Orange County California – Denver Colorado - Fort Lauderdale, Okaloosa, Orange & Palm Beach County Florida - Chatham & DeKalb County Georgia - Bloomington, Marion & Floyd County Indiana – Lawrence County, Topeka & Wichita Kansas - Jefferson & Louisville Kentucky - Baker & New Orleans Louisiana - Caroll County Maryland- Carthage Missouri - Camden, Township, Wildwood & Ocean City New Jersey - Albuquerque New Mexico - Canandaigua New York - New Hanover & Roanoke Rapids N. Carolina - North Royalton, Ohio - Lawton Oklahoma - Multnomah County Oregon - Oakridge Tennessee - Austin, Big Spring & Electra Texas - Norfolk, Virginia Beach & Northampton County, Virginia - Linn & Racine, Wisconsin – More to come soon NOW 13 counties in GA!

Educate your community and friends.
Print this page...put this in someone's mailbox...email...pass along to anyone who chains their dog!

Or email me and I will send professional brochures FREE of charge! (gishart@aol.com)

No More Homeless Pets – spay and neuter! In recent years, the United States has seen a dramatic reduction in the number
of dogs and cats being destroyed in shelters -- from 17 million in 1987 to under 5 million a year currently. It is working!!