Dear XXXXXXX,

I have heard that there is a potential ordinance being discussed which would make it illegal to keep dogs on chains. I am writing to say that I think it would be a very good idea to outlaw the chaining of dogs.

Apart from the obvious cruelty of keeping a dog chained up all the time, there are other related issues which concern our community. A law against chaining could help to address these issues.

First of all, because it is cruel, chained dogs make a neighborhood look bad. People who take pride in their neighborhoods will be less likely to move into a neighborhood where they have to witness a depressed dog chained up all the time in a little patch of dirt. Chained dogs bring a neighborhood down. Eventually, drugs and violence become more common in neighborhoods where there is little pride left.

Chained dogs bark constantly, at least at first, until they get so despondent they don’t bother to bark anymore. A law which outlaws the chaining of dogs would significantly reduce the time that animal control officers have to deal with complaints about barking. They could spend that time doing other, more productive things.

Also, a chained dog becomes very protective of the tiny circle of territory he lives in, and he can feel vulnerable because the chain limits his movement. Because of this, chained dogs can be dangerous to unsuspecting children who might approach them. Dogs, being pack animals, are miserable when they are chained up outside, while their human “pack” is inside.

There are already several communities around the country, some in North Carolina, which outlaw keeping dogs on chains. I think it is time for our community to take a stand against this cruel and archaic method of confinement.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this issue.
XXXXXXXXX