Butterfly Rewards - earn free credits and redeem for good causes - learn more!
Lexington, KY residents only: Unchain the city's dogs!

Lexington, KY residents only: Unchain the city's dogs!

Target:
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council
Sponsored by: 
Please help the chained dogs of Lexington, Kentucky by asking the Council to pass an ordinance forbidding unaccompanied chaining. We ask that all signers be at least 18 years old, with a mailing address in Lexington. We cannot count your signature unless you provide your first and last name AND your Lexington mailing address. Please help us reach our goal. 1000 signatures would help persuade the Council to take this issue seriously. For more information, go to www.speakoutandrescue.org.
Please help the chained dogs of Lexington, Kentucky by asking the Council to pass an ordinance forbidding unaccompanied chaining. We ask that all signers be at least 18 years old, with a mailing address in Lexington. We cannot count your signature unless you provide your first and last name AND your Lexington mailing address. Please help us reach our goal. 1000 signatures would help persuade the Council to take this issue seriously. For more information, go to www.speakoutandrescue.org.
We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council to pass an ordinance forbidding the chaining or tethering of dogs unless they are physically accompanied by an owner.

Chaining a dog, also called tethering, is not only inhumane to the dog, but also dangerous for the human community. According to the CDC, chained dogs are nearly three times as likely to bite as dogs who are not chained. They are more likely to bark incessantly and even attack children or adults who enter their area of confinement. The American Veterinary Association advises, "Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior."

Rarely does a chained or tethered dog receive sufficient care. They may be sporadically fed, rarely given water, and their shelter may be less than adequate. Like people, dogs are highly social animals, and being isolated on a chain is one of the worst cruelties imaginable for them. They become depressed, anxious, unpredictable and defensive about their territory. They are unable to perform many of their most instinctive behaviors, such as tracking smells, playing, and running. Life on the end of a chain is no life at all.

Many communities around the nation, including Louisville, have already passed anti-tethering laws. These laws either ban tethering in favor of secure fenced yards, or restrict the number of hours per day that a dog can be tethered. Surveys of animal control departments in these cities show that these laws really do work, and they require minimal effort to enforce, especially when tethering is completely banned or limited to one hour per day. These cities recognize that happy, healthy and well-socialized dogs make their communities safer for everyone.
signature
goal: 1,000
 
800
signatures!
sign petition!
50
50 log in or sign up to start earning Butterfly Credits today!
Already a Care2 member? log in

Dear friend of SOAR,

I wanted to say thank you for signing SOAR's petition asking the Lexington council to help chained dogs--we really appreciate your support! I also wanted to personally ask you to come to the council meeting on June 2nd (tomorrow) to support SOAR's additions to the animal ordinance that is up for consideration. The ordinance the council is currently considering would require shelter for dogs but would allow dogs to be chained for life.

SOAR is asking the council to add chaining limits and a minimum outdoor enclosure rule (150 sq. feet per dog), so that dogs can no longer be kept permanently on chains or outside in tiny pens.

Council will not pass SOAR's additions unless the voters demand that they do. So far the council has been able to ignore us largely because we don't have many supporters showing up at council proceedings. You can change that just by walking into the room.

When: Tues. June 2nd, 1:00 pm
Where: Council Chambers, 2nd floor - Government Center
200 Main St. Lexington, KY.
Free (with stamp) parking in Annex garage

Please let me know if you would like to be on our mailing list: maryann@speakoutandrescue.org.

Also, if you did not give your mailing address in your comments on the petition, please send it to me so we can count your signature. The Petition Site does not automatically give us your mailing address.

Thank you! And please try to come to tomorrow to stand up for chained dogs!

Mary Ann Fugate

You can do more! Show me more petitions »
We signed the "Lexington, KY residents only: Unchain the city's dogs!" petition!
# 800:
8:34 am PDT, Jun 1, Toni Ryan, Kentucky
How embarrassing for Kentucky to be at the top of a list of states that have such terrible dog laws. Council should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to go on. It is quite easy to change the law, especially with all those out there who support this and are willing to make sure it is complied with. Anyone who has seen or lived near a chained dog understands the importance of this issue. Please vote to correct this problem in a meaningful and responsible way NOW.

awryan@qx.net

# 799:
8:12 am PDT, Jun 1, Beverly McChesney, Kentucky
Perhaps councilmembers should have to spend a weekend chained outside, food and dirty water out of reach or nearly so, little or no shelter despite the weather..living in their own feces....I will not vote for my councilmember again if they vote against this ordinance, and I will campaign against them. I'm tired of KY's lawmakers attitudes toward domestic (and really all) animals.
# 798:
8:05 am PDT, Jun 1, Janis Saylor, Kentucky
Chaining a dog outside is another form of abuse. It is a way to ensure that the dog stays frustrated and feels abandoned. If the chain is too short he cannot get enough exercise or move in or out of the sun and rain. If it is too long, he can get tangled and even strangle.
# 797:
6:39 am PDT, Jun 1, Russsell Williamson, Kentucky
This restriction does more than help ensure dignity and respect for canines in our city, but also establishes an enforceable deterrent for the breeding and ownership of the large aggressive dogs that often require chaining to keep controlled and contained and that can pose a threat to our children and our neighborhoods.

144 goodrich ave lexington, ky 40503

# 796:
6:37 pm PDT, May 31, Eric Hollis, Kentucky
It is irresponsible and cruel. People have a moral obligation to care for their pets, if not capable or able then it needs to be given to an owner who will. Societies are judged on their morality by how they treat the elderly and their pets.

430 Redding Road, Lexington KY, 40517

# 795:
1:39 pm PDT, May 31, Christy Gahn, Kentucky
For any qualify of life, no dog should be chained without opportunity for exercise and extended movement.

614 Wichita Drive Lexington, KY 40503

# 794:
12:43 pm PDT, May 31, Linda Clark, Kentucky
I cannot even imagine that anyone would chain a dog. When we drive to the country on weekends, I try to not look at a particular dog that is always chained. Last summer I watched a dog near my post office on a chain in the hot heat carrying his water bowl in his mouth. Need I say more. I want to help our animals. Please do the right thing.

261 Simpson Ave. Unit 230 Lexington, KY 40504

# 793:
8:49 am PDT, May 31, Sara Williams, Kentucky
3604 Checkerberry Dr Lexington, Ky 40509
# 792:
8:40 am PDT, May 31, Name not displayed, Kentucky
Our City Council representative is Jay McChord

3302 Roxburg, Dr. 40503

# 791:
12:21 pm PDT, May 30, Jennifer Chapman, Kentucky
Please give animals the respect they deserve! Dont let them spend their lives chained up. Its not humane.

2377 Prescott Lane Lexington KY 40511

# 790:
10:41 am PDT, May 30, Carla Moorman, Kentucky
Jay McChord

3425 Holwyn Rd Lexington KY 40503

# 789:
7:04 pm PDT, May 29, Cindy Laborda, Kentucky
I am strongly in favor of forbidding unaccompanied chaining. Dogs left chained have no way to protect themselves. If they are left unattended for long periods of time, they are unable to seek food, water or shelter. Being chained and left alone is not much of a life for any living creature.

3701 Tobasaw Court Lexington, KY 40517

# 788:
3:50 am PDT, May 29, Robert Larkin, Kentucky
# 786:
9:13 pm PDT, May 28, Dee Sturgill, Kentucky
Dogs should not be chained because they are sentient beings. We need to start treating our furry friends with respect and compassionately.

1120 Claridge Drive Lexington, KY 40504

# 785:
6:31 pm PDT, May 28, Melissa Harp, Kentucky
Thank you for your serious consideration in this matter!

Melissa Harp 3621 Mossbridge Way Lexington, KY 40514

# 784:
3:50 pm PDT, May 28, Janel Keen, Kentucky
# 783:
12:08 pm PDT, May 28, Jennifer Mason, Kentucky
I am a firm believer in this. Chaining a dog creates an angry dog. They are meant to socialize, and have some freedom. They need adequate exercise. Every dog I have known that is mean is a result of being chained up. It is no life.

Jennifer Mason 3204 Mt. Bison Court Lexington, KY 40515

# 782:
8:45 am PDT, May 28, Thomas Howard, Kentucky
# 781:
8:43 am PDT, May 28, Lacy Danielle Toll, Kentucky
# 780:
6:38 am PDT, May 28, Brittany Zwicker, Kentucky
350 Park Ave. Lexington, Ky 40502
# 779:
5:01 am PDT, May 28, Meagan Preston, Kentucky
735 ridgeview dr frankfort, ky 40601
# 778:
1:21 am PDT, May 28, Erin Laborda, Kentucky
Unaccompanied chaining is an inhumane act in that it strips dogs of their natural defenses. They are rendered helpless to seek sufficient food, water, shelter, and safety from animals and people that may cause them harm. Please help them--they can't help themselves.

Erin Laborda 3701 Tobasaw Ct. Lexington, KY 40517

# 777:
9:51 pm PDT, May 27, Kathy Martiniolich, Kentucky
# 776:
9:24 pm PDT, May 27, Emily Coovert, Kentucky
It's sickening what people to do animals. Leaving your dog chained up so that it can't defend itself is cruel. Dogs can become tangled in the chains, hurt their necks... it's sick. Don't chain your dog.
# 775:
8:23 pm PDT, May 27, Tonya Phillips, Kentucky
It is cruel and unfair to have anything chained. With the proper training a dog can be left in the home or out.

468 Channing Way Lexington KY 40517

# 774:
6:26 pm PDT, May 27, Jade Johnston, Tennessee
Why have a dog if it is going to be put on a chain to live out it's life. My opinion, that is no life. I bet the people that put these poor dogs on chains like this wouldn't like if we did that to them.
# 773:
5:42 pm PDT, May 27, Patricia Owen, Kentucky
Chaining any animal is in my opinion in humane. Dogs need socialization w/ their person. They are pack animals by nature. They do not deserve to live in isolation chained outside away from their family.

281 Spring Valley Lane Lexington, KY 40511

# 772:
5:11 pm PDT, May 25, Sue Creech, Kentucky
744 Eden Court Lexington, Ky 40505
# 771:
9:53 pm PDT, May 17, OLGA ORDONEZ, Kentucky
I JUST ADQUIRED A LITTLE PUPPY AND LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY SOUL I CANT IMAGINE WHY PEOPLE HAVE DOGS IF THEY DONT REALLY DEDIICATE THEYR TIME TO EDUCATE AND LVE THEIR DOGS AND INSTEAD CHAIN THEM, I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED!
# 770:
2:34 pm PDT, May 16, Carolina Martinez, Spain
# 769:
6:45 am PDT, May 14, SANDRA ROCHA, Portugal
Stop acts of cruelty against animals!!!
# 768:
8:05 pm PDT, May 11, Sandy Weaver, Kentucky
I support a chaining ban to protect children from potentially dangerous dogs.
# 767:
11:17 am PDT, May 11, Melissa Brown, Kentucky
but it is cruel and inhumane. you don't see people chained up.

146 Rugby Rd. lexington ky 40504

# 765:
10:03 am PDT, May 10, Eileen Latham, Kentucky
# 764:
5:32 pm PDT, May 8, Jennifer Watters, Kentucky
# 762:
1:44 pm PDT, May 6, Wayne Lewis, Kentucky
# 761:
10:32 am PDT, May 6, Mike Roberts, Kentucky
I believe it is cruel punishment to keep a dog chained up outside for very long periods of time.
# 759:
3:23 pm PDT, May 4, Susan Perez, Kentucky
They are living with a heart . They should be loved & taken care of . If they want to chain up a loving animal They do not need them. How would they like to be chained?
# 758:
11:13 am PDT, May 4, Glenda McGaha, Kentucky
I believe it is inhumane to tie animals up which increases the potential for their being choked, hanged, caught and injured, or limited in defense if attacked by another animal....or human. The chain can also get caught and cause water containers to spill leaving the dog dehyrated. Often their is lack of protection from the heat and elements as well. Countless dangers......

2176 Lakeside Dr. Lexington, Ky.40502

# 757:
10:26 am PDT, May 4, Charlene Boyle, Kentucky
I believe that the people who are cruel to animals frequently go on to abuse humans. Often these are spouses and children. Some progress farther into abuse and other violent crimes. Foster understanding - - -Walk your dog, fence your yard, do not have a dog if you cannot make the proper commitment to care for it. All GOD's creatures !!

2020 Glade Lane, Lexington KY 40513

# 756:
9:53 am PDT, May 4, Carina Lyndon, Kentucky
It causes injury and distress. No animal should be chained up I'm sure if the owner had this done to them they would understand what they have put their animal through.

120 Long Branch Lane, Lexington KY 40509

# 755:
8:46 am PDT, May 4, Lesley Boysel, Kentucky
1373 Copper Run Blvd Lexington, KY 40514
# 754:
9:16 am PDT, May 3, Heather Suedkamp, Kentucky
DOUG MARTIN - As my elected official listen to me. Who are we to determine what is inhumane? What a ridiculous statement are you serious? If we aren't to determine what is inhuman exactly who should make that determination? Do you expect the dogs, to one day stand up and say "This is inhumane treatment and I'm not going to take it anymore"? If they could speak for themselves being chained and forgotten is one of MANY things they would stand up against. I'm tired of electing pomp ass officials who don't want to ruffle any feathers to take a stand for what is right. You spend my money freely for causes such as saving Lex Tran so a giant bus can run, the salary of a driver be paid, the environment destroyed to carry one or two people. Ever thought of downsizing to vans since I have yet to see a Lex Tran bus even half full. Yet when it comes to the suffering of animals you choose to turn a blind eye. Maybe we should start a publicity campaign to represent the city of Lexington and Fayette County prominently showing the photos of these poor animals with captions such as "don't you want to come live by me", "Isn't this the type of city where you want to have your business headquartered" . You and other elected officials will gripe all day and shake your finger at "barking dogs". Ever think many of them bark because they spend their life on a six foot chain with no human interaction, no exercise, no enjoyment, weathering the elements, 30 degree weather, 90 degree weather, all of the grass long ago worn away? Why not fix the cause of the problem instead of making the dog who is crying for mercy the scape goat? I know you think you are a well oiled machine and you're set for life like most of the LFUCG council is but you will only enjoy that security so long before you are forced to open your eyes and actually earn your position.

2412 Creekview Court Lexington KY 40514-1417

# 752:
11:12 am PDT, Apr 28, Leigh Nuckols, Kentucky
I believe dogs should not be chained unless under the supervision of their owners. I have a dog that I'll put a chain while I'm outside with her, but if I were not with her she would be a tangled mess for the duration of her leave on the chain.

2108 Maura Trace Lexington, KY 40513

# 751:
8:51 am PDT, Apr 27, Valerie Browning, Kentucky
Copyright © 2009 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved