Chaining or Tethering Dogs 

FAQs

When we talk about chaining or tethering a dog it means that a dog is linked to a stationary object, usually in the owners backyard, as a method of keeping them contained or under control.

Continuous chaining is inhumane and a threat to the well-being and safety of the dog, its' owner and other people. It is inhumane to "chain" a dog because it causes what may have been a friendly and docile dog to become a unhappy, neurotic, anxious and most times aggressive dog.

The US Department of Agriculture released a statement on July 2, 1996 that stated:

"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 become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury."

Chaining or tethering a dog poses a great danger to other people. Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their territory. When confronted with what a dog may perceive as a threat, on a chain, that dog is unable to take flight from the situation and feels compelled to protect itself and its territory.

A study published in the September 15, 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that between 1979 and 1998, 17% of dogs involved in fatal attacks were restrained on their owners' property at the time of the attack.

Our pets our a part of our family. Don't chain or tether your dog outside.