Animal Rights Uncompromised:
Chaining Dogs

Many people who acquire dogs quickly tire of them and banish them to the back yard, where they are "out of sight, out of mind." Others want a "guard" dog to bark at intruders. Many of these dogs spend their entire lives in solitary confinement—trapped at the end of a chain or confined to a pen or kennel. They suffer through frightening thunderstorms and all weather extremes and typically are denied vital medical attention and any form of friendship.

Every summer, chained dogs die preventable deaths because of a lack of protection from the heat. Doghouses—although they are essential for keeping dogs dry during summer thunderstorms (and winter snowstorms)—don't provide much relief from the heat. In fact, a doghouse can act like an oven, trapping hot air inside. Cold weather also spells extra hardship for outdoor dogs who can suffer from frostbite, exposure, and dehydration when water sources freeze.

Chained dogs bark out of frustration and loneliness, which can turn into a public "nuisance" and trigger threats from annoyed neighbors. Chained dogs have been shot, poisoned, stoned, set on fire, and tortured in countless other ways.

Leaving dogs chained outside creates a risk of injury for children or anyone else who may wander into their yard. Chained dogs kill more children than do falls from trees and playground equipment and fireworks accidents combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dogs who spend a lot of time alone in the back yard or tied out on a chain are more prone to aggression and biting, while dogs who are socialized and enjoy life with their human "pack" are protective without being neurotic.

Dozens of communities have either banned tethering and chaining or have included tethering provisions in their animal protection ordinances. Please make a promise to all dogs who are trapped at the end of a chain in your neighborhood that you will work to add your community to the list.

Read more about the dangers of chaining dogs. Download or order our chained-dog brochure.