Dogs in Baldwin County are left tethered by ropes and chains 24/7, many without shelter or adequate food and water. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining to escape confinement. Some chained dogs have collars embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the end of a chain.
Rarely does a chained or tethered dog receive sufficient care. Tethered dogs suffer from sporadic feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and extreme temperatures. During cold and inclement weather, these dogs often have no access to shelter. During periods of extreme heat, they may not receive adequate water or protection from the sun.
In addition to physical harm, dogs that are chained suffer immense psychological damage. Dogs are very social animals, and when they are left alone for hours, days, weeks, and years, they become neurotic, anxious and sometimes even aggressive.
The act of chaining is a huge contributor to anti-social, aggressive dog behavior. Chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog. The Center for Disease Control compiled government statistics: Chained dogs kill as many children as do firearms, and more than falls from trees, playground equipment and fireworks accidents put together.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has also stated, "Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior." Chaining creates aggression, not protectiveness. A protective dog is used to being around people and can sense when his family is being threatened. A dog learns to be protective by spending lots of time with people and by learning to know and love his human family.
Chained dogs are also easy targets for thieves looking to steal animals for sale to research institutions or to be used as training fodder for organized animal fights. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement in the Federal Register against tethering: "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane..." Regulations against chaining also give officers a tool to crack down on illegal dog fighting, since many fighting dogs are kept on chains.
There are many dogs that are forced to live in these appalling conditions day after day, sometimes until they fade away and die. It is an owner's responsibility to properly restrain their dog, just as it is the owner's responsibility to provide adequate attention and socialization.
Placing an animal on a restraint to get fresh air can be acceptable if it is done for a short period. However, keeping an animal tethered for long periods is never acceptable. No living creature should have to live like this, and we would like to see some changes in the law so that this is no longer an issue.
Please sign this petition to make chaining and tethering dogs for long periods illegal in Baldwin County, Gerogia.
*Thank you to UnchainYourDog.org for much of this information.
