Many municipalities in the United States are finally realizing the terrible suffering experienced by dogs chained outside by ignorant owners. Often without shelter from the extreme heat of summer and cold of winter, often without food or water, and unable to escape from other people or animals that would do them harm, these poor dogs deserve better. In my home state of Florida, several counties have enacted outright bans on chaining dogs outside unless the owner is also outside with them. With the active and enthusiastic participation of local communities, these ordinances have truly made a difference in improving the lives of the animals we call our best friends but sometimes treat worse than our enemies.
How tethering harms animals and why it needs to stop
When we stop and think about the suffering humans inflict on their loyal animal companions, we really have to wonder why tethering hasn’t been outlawed for decades. The even bigger mystery, however, is why there are still so many people who oppose anti-anchoring ordinances, even when presented with the following facts:
- Dogs are social creatures and need regular interaction with the rest of their “pack.” Chaining them alone for long periods causes irreparable psychological damage, often making them neurotic, anxious, and aggressive.
- Chained dogs cannot run away when threatened and can only defend themselves by biting. Studies have confirmed that chained dogs are much more likely to bite, and the victim is often a small child.
- Dog leashes can easily become entangled in other objects, further restricting an already limited range of motion or even causing suffocation. Collars constantly rub against the dog’s neck, leaving it raw and open to infection.
- Water bowls, if provided, tend to tip over, leaving the animal with nothing to drink. The dog must urinate and defecate in the same small area, which presents an obvious health hazard and further affronts its dignity. Any grass is quickly trampled down, leaving nothing but dirt to live on.
- A chained dog does not get the exercise it needs and is usually neglected in every way, receiving inadequate nutrition and medical care.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures can be deadly. In Florida, where only a few municipalities have responded with ordinances to date, heat stroke is a constant threat for much of the year. Temperatures above 85 degrees are life-threatening for dogs.
- Chaining is often a sign that dogs are used to fighting. Giving animal welfare officers the ability to fine owners who tether their dogs gives them another weapon against this hateful practice.
- Chained dogs are not effective guard dogs. All they can do is bark, and they will tend to bark at anything, losing the ability to discern genuine threats. The best watchdogs are raised as members of the family.
Both the USDA and the American Veterinary Medical Association have declared tethering inhumane. However, without anti-tether ordinances, animal welfare officers cannot intervene to protect abandoned dogs until it is too late, because most existing animal cruelty laws do not address the many problems caused by leashing. the bonds.
The False Arguments Used Against Anti-Anchor Ordinances
One of the most common arguments advanced in response to proposed anti-leash laws is that many dog owners cannot afford to fence their yards. But the answer to this is obvious: the dog doesn’t have to be outside anyway. How do apartment dwellers manage well without chaining the dogs outside? In hot climates like mine, the dog should being inside most of the time anyway as it’s too hot outside. A dog needs to feel that he belongs, as if he is part of the family unit. Dogs treated in this way adjust better psychologically and will also make more effective watchdogs.
Another argument used against tethering ordinances is the cost of paying animal welfare officers to enforce them. We are seeing this development right now in several Central Florida counties. Often missing from the discussion is the fact that officers can generate revenue by fining violators. Additionally, practical experience in several counties that have adopted such laws has produced wonderful responses from local communities, with residents reporting to the county whenever they see tethered animals. This greatly reduces the need for investigation, allowing officers to focus primarily on issuing warnings and, where necessary, citations.