Brother, Can You Spare a (Dog Named) Dollar …

Published by PETA Staff.
2 min read

… from a miserable life under a pile of heavy cinder blocks and plywood?

 

Dollar before

 

This makeshift pen was “home” for a sweet 5-month-old mutt named Dollar, who was discovered by a PETA fieldworker in North Carolina.

Our relentless efforts to educate people about the terrible mental and physical suffering endured by backyard dogs—as well as the dangers posed by cruel humans and occasionally other animals—almost always make an impact. Occasionally, the owners agree to bring the dogs inside. Other times, they shrug and hand us the leash.

In this case, our fieldworker was canvassing a North Carolina neighborhood and signing up needy dogs for PETA’s spay-and-neuter and doghouse programs when she spotted Dollar’s head poking out of his ramshackle “fence.” It was a dangerous barricade that possibly could have collapsed and crushed him. Dollar’s guardian refused to bring Dollar inside or to let us take him.

Dollar’s owner did agree, however, to let us neuter him and to clear the cinder blocks from around his doghouse.

 

Dollar after

 

There is no doubt that Dollar’s life is better than it was. He’s no longer forced to eat and sleep in that feces-littered cinder-block prison that was about to cave in on him. He’s also scheduled to receive a in the coming days. But there’s also no doubt that Dollar’s life, like that of so many other backyard dogs, could still be so much better.

Backyard dogs spend every moment of their lives yearning for a family who loves them and keeps them indoors where it’s warm and dry—and you can help them by taking action. If your neighbors keep backyard dogs, talk to them and educate them about the animals’ social, physical, and mental needs. Investigate chaining laws and shelter requirements in your area, and work with legislators to strengthen the laws. Our information about anti-chaining ordinances can help.

Fall is here, and winter is right around the corner. Make a decision to be a person who refuses to give backyard dogs the cold shoulder.

Written by Karin Bennett

GET PETA UPDATES
Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox!

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.

Get the Latest Tips—Right in Your Inbox
We’ll e-mail you weekly with the latest in vegan recipes, fashion, and more!

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.