After Tethered Dog’s Mauling, PETA Reminds of Dangers of Keeping Dogs Chained Outside

For Immediate Release:
July 8, 2016

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

In light of reports and a shocking photo showing a loose pit bull attacking and killing a tethered beagle in St. John’s on Thursday evening, PETA—which fields emergency calls every day from all over North America—is reminding people to keep dogs indoors and never leave them outside unattended.

“There are thousands of reasons for anti-tethering laws, and PETA’s case files are full of thousands of sad stories of dogs who have been attacked, alone and vulnerable, at the end of a rope or chain,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “This dog’s death was as horrifying and heartbreaking as it was preventable, and it’s exactly why PETA urges guardians to keep dogs indoors with the rest of the family, where they belong.”

In addition to being easy targets for aggressive animals, thieves, dogfighters, and other cruel people, dogs who are chained outdoors are forced to endure all weather extremes and spend their entire lives eating, sleeping, and eliminating in the same few square feet of space. In addition, chaining dogs—who are highly social pack animals—deprives them of social interaction, which can make them aggressive.

More information about current anti-tethering laws is available here.