Great website for those of you concerned with the abuse of dogs who are kept perpetually chained and/or outdoors in all weathers.
Check out www.dogsdeservebetter.org.
Thanks to reader Monica for directing us to it!
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Also visit www.helpinganimals.com and click on Unchain Your Dog to find out more about the cruel and dangerous consequences of chained dogs. Enact a ban in your community today to get dogs off the chain tomorrow!
Here's a step-by-step list:
1. EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT CHAINED DOGS: Find out all you can on the practice of chaining dogs. We have a booklet available that contains facts/stats about dog-chaining.
You can also visit our website, http://www.helpinganimals.com/ga_chained.asp, for detailed write-ups and links. Before you take the next step, you should be clear about:
a) Why it’s cruel to chain dogs.
b) Why chained dogs pose a danger to children and other citizens.
c) What professionals say about dog-chaining.
2. RESEARCH CURRENT LEGISLATION: There are many cities/communities with existing ordinances that address chained dogs. It’s important to research state laws, as well.
a) If you have access to a computer, visit our website, http://www.helpinganimals.com/ga_tetherLegislation.asp, for an up-to-date list of chaining restriction/ban legislation.
b) If you do not have access to a computer, visit your local library, city hall, or county commission office to request a copy of existing city/state ordinances addressing chained dogs.
3. CREATE A MODEL ORDINANCE: After you have researched dog-chaining legislation, look over the specific language to create a model ordinance for your jurisdiction. Of note:
a) You can copy language verbatim from any city/community ordinance.
b) At this critical step, you may feel the need to reach out to other like-minded individuals for their assistance in creating a model ordinance.
4. KNOW YOUR ALLIES/OPPOSITION: Before you set out to present your ordinance to city/state officials, search your community for allies to the dog-chaining ban, as well as those who might oppose you.
a) Possible allies include your local humane society, dog rescue groups, veterinary offices, etc. Make flyers and place ads to help find campaigners for the ban.
b) Possible opposition includes hunters, breeders (AKC has gotten on board of late to oppose anti-chaining laws), lawful animal functions like groomers who sometimes chain dogs for short periods of time, etc.
c) Some may bring up the idea that a chaining ban will force low-income families to give up their dogs, as they will be unable to provide a humane fenced enclosure for their dogs. Let them know that an anti-chaining ordinance is a humane and safety issue…not an economic issue.
5. LOBBY FOR THE VOTE: Now that you have your “ducks” (or is that “dogs”) in place, the time is now to begin lobbying for passage of the ban. In order to get the word out and ensure a “yes” vote:
a) Lobby commissioners by attending open public hearings. Line up effective guest speakers in support of the ban.
b) Gather signatures from everyday citizens in support of the ban.
c) Days before the vote of city council, make calls to remind officials to please enact the ban into law.
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