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Article: Chaining often brings out the worst in dogs
Adam Goldfarb, HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
Monday, November 13, 2006
Chaining a dog in a yard for extended periods of time amounts to cruel punishment for the animal, but also poses a not-so-obvious safety risk to the community. The ordinance proposed by Chain Free Austin to restrict the unsupervised chaining of dogs, as reported in the Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 25, is definitely a move in the right direction. This ordinance is sure to improve the quality of life for all in this city be they four- or two-legged.
Take a look at your own dog. Thousands of years of human-guided,
selective breeding have led to the creation of this remarkable animal
who craves little more than your companionship. The isolation of being
chained up for hours at a time is not only physically cruel to this
animal, but completely contraty to his or her nature.
Chaining causes intense boredom and loneliness for dogs, but that's
only the beginning. The boredom can morph into frustration, then into
territorial and aggressive behavior. And here's where the danger to the
community lies: When confronted with a perceived threat, animals have a
"fight or flight" response. Because chained dogs can't flee from a
perceived threat, whether it be a neighbor's child or a well-meaning
adult, they are left with one option: to fight and the results could be
deadly.
Multiple studies have shown that chained dogs are more likely to bite,
and these studies are supported by the positions of a number of groups
including The Humane Society of the United States and The American
Veterinary Medical Association. In her book "Fatal Dog Attacks, the
Stories behind the Statistics," author and veterinary technician Karen
Delise notes, "Chaining a dog is arguably the single most dangerous
condition in which to maintain a dog. Statistically, chained dogs are
more dangerous than free-running packs of dogs."
People chain their dogs for a variety of reasons. Some believe that
dogs belong outside and are happier there; others claim it is what has
always been done, and some people think that a chained dog in the front
yard will help deter intruders. But as we've grown to understand more
about canine behavior, there have been more changes in human behavior:
Fewer people are chaining their dogs, and more communities are passing
legislation to address this crucial issue.
More than 100 communities across the country have ordinances
specifically addressing dog chaining. Two progressive states,
California and Connecticut, have statewide policies that restrict
chaining. Even though Austin already has a chaining ordinance, its
eight-hour rule has proved difficult to enforce.
In the past, proper animal care was limited to food, water and shelter.
However, our dogs today have come to assume a greater role in the
family. In recognizing our mutual dependence, we've learned that we
have to go beyond the basics in caring for our dogs. Exercise,
socialization and regular veterinary care are certainly necessary, but
more than that, our dogs need our commitment to make their lives
better, just as they have done for us.
Animal cruelty laws have been in place for a long time, but it is
essential that these laws keep pace with the latest information about
what is appropriate care for our dogs. Dog chaining goes against all we
have learned about them and their needs. We applaud the efforts of
Chain Free Austin and encourage the city's Animal Advisory Commission
to do the right thing.
Goldfarb is an issues specialist in the Companion Animals Department of the Humane Society of the United States.
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