The Cruelty
Chaining or tethering an unattended dog is cruel to the dog.
Dog chaining is considered inhumane by most leading animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, and the Doris Day Animal League.
Dogs are genetically pack animals. They thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. Routine chaining or tethering can make a dog becoming lonely, frustrated, neurotic, and aggressive.
The physical effects of chaining also take their toll. Chaining or tethering dog can result in abrasive injuries to the dog’s neck and potential infection. Chained dogs often lack sufficient exercise, proper nutrition, protection from insects, and medical care.
The USDA has also determined that dog chaining is inhumane. Please consider the following:
"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." - United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Register, July 2, 1996.
Chaining or tethering an unattended dog is dangerous for the dog.
In addition to being a threat to children, dog chaining and tethering can also threaten the health and life of the dog.
-
Because a chained dog’s roaming radius is so small, he can easily knock over his water bowl.
-
A chain or tether can easily become entangled, resulting in a strangulation hazard for the dog.
-
A chained or tethered dog can hang himself if he tries to jump over large objects in the yard.
-
Dogs confined on a chain or tether are vulnerable to attack from other animals, and from any person who may intend to harm the dog.
Please consider this recent example:
In early September 2006 a Boston terrier was found roaming an Orlando, Florida area neighborhood. A well-meaning neighbor tethered the dog in her front yard, in the hopes that the dog’s family would drive by and find him. She only left him unattended for less than an hour, but the tether became entangled and the dog was strangled to death.
Visit these web pages to see photos that illustrate the cruelty and danger of dog chaining:
[Warning: Some photos may be disturbing.]
UnchainYourDog.org - Photos Page
DogsDeserveBetter.org - Photos Page
|
"Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months, or even years suffers immense psychological damage." - The Humane Society of the United States. |