February is National Unchain a Dog Month, a month that marks one of the most important aspects surrounding dog education. While we are already half-way through the month this is still an important topic to talk about, so here we go.
Imagine for a moment that you’re a dog and that you’re confined to just a small area and that you have something heaving wrapped around your neck. You’re trying to move about your yard and you find that you’re being choked by a rope or a chain that your owner placed around you. Dogs weren’t blessed with ability to speak which it makes it rather difficult for them to comprehend how they feel about being tied down. They’re scared because it’s painful. It hurts and they have no way of letting anyone know what’s happening to them, including the fact they hate what’s been done to them.
Not only is it inhumane to chain a dog, there are many other reasons why this is not a good practice to begin when owning a dog. Here are our reasons:
ONE
When you chain a dog his neck can actually start to become raw and covered with huge, red sores if the chain is too tight. Too many dogs in the United States are found on a regular basis with a rope or a chain wrapped an embedded in their necks.
TWO
When a dog is chained the owner often forgets what happens when they leave their dog outside in the elements. Is it hot outside? Does the dog have proper shade from the sun? Is it too cold? Take a moment to think about what happens when you run from the car to the office….how cold do you get when you’re not protected from the elements?
THREE
Leaving a dog outside also leaves him vulnerable to attack by another dog or possibly even a wild animal. Dogs that are chained have no way to defend themselves against a predator.
FOUR
Consider the psychological affects that chaining a dog might have on the dog. Eventually the dog will begin to protect itself, even becoming unsocial due to the neglect he has had to endure while being chained. According to the Humane Society, dogs that are chained are three times more likely to bite when approached by someone, or something.
FIVE
In the past ten years, many states have enacted laws that protect dogs from being tethered or chained.
How can you help?
If you see a dog that is chained or disrespected in any way it’s important to step up and be the voice for the dog. Here are five things you can do to help a dog in his time of need:
ONE
Gather information about the dog even if you aren’t able to go onto the property where the dog is being chained. Look from the sidewalk, the driveway or even your own front door. Take videos or pictures if you can and carefully take note of what you see. Record the address or describe the location where the dog is living.
TWO
Look for food and water, buckets, or bowls and if the water is frozen or there is none at all, be sure to take action. If the dog appears to be thin, look for evidence of food.
THREE
If possible, talk to the owner by knocking on the door and being polite. Mention the fact that it’s cold or hot outside and that you are concerned about the welfare of the dog.
FOUR
Call the authorities if the owner won’t let the dog inside the house. If you can’t reach the Humane Society or Animal Control, consider calling the police or even the sheriff.
FIVE
Many states/cities/counties already have tethering bans in place but if there is none where you live, you could try and get one passed. You may need to speak with your local and state representatives and when doing so, try to encourage them to get this practice banned in your community.
Today we would like to thank http://www.centralbarkusa.com for helping us with this post.
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