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

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.