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Chained Dogs and the LawDog Maulings and Cruelty Issues Spur Anti-tethering LawsCalifornia, Texas and other states have enacted tougher legislation governing the chaining and neglect of dogs.
Most humane organizations and animal welfare activists consider the chaining of dogs to be a form of cruelty. Chaining often leaves them unable to reach any shelter, food or water as well as vulnerable to animal attacks. Constant tethering mentally deprives these social animals causing neurosis and aggressiveness. Growing puppies who have become an inconvenience are often neglected on a chain and suffer imbedded collars and a resulting infection. The USDA issued the following statement in 1996. "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury." After numerous serious or fatal maulings, including children and the elderly, by chained dogs, supporters of anti-tethering laws have worked tirelessly to have legislation considered for safety measures as well as compassion for the animals. According to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 81% of fatal dog attacks are by dogs that are isolated or neglected, 61% of fatal dog attacks are by dogs that were not humanely controlled or had been abused or neglected in some way. A chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to be aggressive. The past year has seen quite a bit of action concerning anti-chaining laws in legislatures across the country. Most bills prohibit tethering in inclement weather, limit the number of hours a dog can spend on a tether in a 24 hour period, and regulate the type of collar and the type and length of chain. Some laws are more detailed than others including an outline of penalties. Some smaller communities have had local laws for some time banning or regulating the chaining of dogs. In September 2006, California passed an anti-tethering law allowing for punishment of up to a $1000 fine and 6 months in county jail. Maryland passed a weak anti-chaining law in May 2007 and the humane organization, Justice for Dogs, promises to be back lobbying for stronger legislation in 2008. South Carolina introduced a bill in June 2007 to regulate the chaining of dogs. Pennsylvania, as of August 2007, has introduced an anti-tethering bill. New Jersey and New York are considering anti-chaining laws as well. . North Carolina has enacted an amendment to their existing law concerning the restraining of dogs that will become effective Dec 1, 2007. Texas, recently, has taken great strides toward preventing animal cruelty. In addition to passing legislation detailing the unlawful restraint of dogs with penalties that went into effect September 1, 2007, Texas lawmakers have increased the penalty for dog fighting from a misdemeanor to a state jail felony. Those attending dogfights will also face increased penalties, as will the owners of a vicious dog who attacks a human. Many professional dog fighting rings, who have previously been hard to bust, keep dogs tied up on short, heavy chains. Perhaps the new and tougher laws will open doors that expose the dog fighting that secretly takes place among us. Hopefully, fewer chained dogs will mean fewer vicious maulings. Though the new laws may be tough to enforce, ordinary citizens can help by alerting busy law enforcement officials to violations. Related Reading:
The copyright of the article Chained Dogs and the Law in Dogs is owned by Joy Butler. Permission to republish Chained Dogs and the Law in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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