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| Aaron Curry Signs With PETA to Fight Dog Chaining |
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New Seahawks Linebacker Urges Fans to Be Their Dogs' Biggest Defenders For Immediate Release: Contact: Seattle -- Enjoying a laugh with his beloved dog Laila, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry stars in a brand-new PETA public service announcement that tackles cruel dog chaining. Curry, the Seahawks' 2009 first-round draft pick, says, "Be your dogs' biggest defender. Never chain them." In an exclusive PETA interview, Curry shows his affection for his best friends, dogs Laila and Ali (who were named for the celebrated boxers), and makes it clear that he would never chain his companions. "[H]ow would you feel if you were chained up in a backyard all day?" says Curry, the Seahawks' starting strong-side linebacker. "[T]hat's pretty much the worst thing you could do to a dog." Curry also urges prospective dog guardians to do their research before adopting. "[T]reat any dog like a child," he says. "[I]t's not as simple as just having them chained up in the backyard. You want to be able to care for them and show them love." Dogs who spend their lives at the end of a chain ache for companionship and suffer from all weather extremes--including frightening thunderstorms, bitter cold, and summer heat--often without receiving vital veterinary care. Living day after day in isolation causes these highly social animals to become lonely and distressed. Dogs on chains easily become agitated, are perpetually frustrated when they realize that they are unable to flee from perceived threats, and grow aggressively protective of their tiny territories. Hundreds of people--mostly children--have been mauled and even killed after wandering within reach of chained dogs or encountering dogs who had broken free from chains. "People who relegate man's best friend to a chain or pen in the backyard are not just being cruel to their dogs; they are planting ticking time bombs in their communities and risking human safety," says PETA Director Daphna Nachminovitch. "Dogs are members of the family, not lawn ornaments or furry alarm systems." For more information and to view the ad, please visit PETA.org or click here.
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