I was very happy to hear that a law is being considered in our community which would make it illegal to keep dogs on chains.

Keeping a dog chained constantly is tantamount to torture. It is very upsetting to know that a dog which is kept in accordance with current law can still be subjected to the absolute misery that is typical of a chained dog’s life. If a dog’s chain is as long as the law requires, it still is not long enough to provide adequate exercise for the dog. Nor does it allow for variety, stimulation or playtime in the life of a typical chained dog. A chained dog is lucky if he even gets fed with any regularity, let alone given anything resembling affection.

If a chained dog has a house, current law allows him/her to be left out in all kinds of weather. Yet the dog’s house does not provide sufficient comfort when the weather is bitter cold or very hot. When it is raining and cold, the dog has no warmth to escape to. The house gets wet inside because rain splashes in or is blown in and the cold wet dog brings water into the house on saturated fur. If he doesn’t want to stay in his house, his only option is the cold ground.

Chained dogs are usually filthy and covered with fleas. No one wants to touch them. Cruel children tease them. They are poorly socialized and become fearful or vicious. When chained dogs get sick, their owners rarely notice until the condition has become extremely severe.

I have never seen a happy dog on a chain. They either look very sad or very frustrated, crying and barking in a desperate attempt to get their people to notice them.

Passing a law which makes it illegal to keep dogs chained up would end a lot of suffering, or at least diminish the misery endured by of a lot of dogs.

Please do pass a law which prohibits the chaining of dogs.

Thank you,
XXXXXXXXX