How PETA Rescued an Eight-Pound Dog Left on a Two-Foot Tether
Chico, a tiny eight-pound chihuahua, spent his days alone. His owners left him outside, tied with a barely two-foot-long, hopelessly tangled tether attached to a trampoline. He had nothing to curl up next to except a hard, heavy concrete block in a plastic cage. Find out what happened that changed Chico’s life forever.
How Chico’s Life Went From Neglect to Unending Love
PETA fieldworkers found Chico malnourished, without water, and with just inches of space to move in. Despite Chico’s obvious suffering, his owner initially refused to allow PETA to take custody of the neglected dog—but our fieldworkers didn’t give up. We continued to visit Chico and provide him with food, water, and affection for several months.
Our persistence paid off when we finally convinced the owner to let PETA provide Chico with the care he desperately needed after he became ill.
After receiving veterinary care and enjoying a short stay with a foster guardian—who reported that Chico was “full of heart” and “the best kind of friend”—Chico was ready to find his forever home. The perfect adopter quickly stepped up, and Chico is now in a safe home where he is a valued member of the family.
How You Can Help Neglected Dogs Left Outside Like Chico
Every day, PETA fieldworkers find dogs just like Chico who are chained up outside like old bicycles and are left to languish outside without adequate food, water, veterinary care, or even a moment of love.
PETA works with people nationwide to advocate for tethering bans in their communities. An effective way to help “backyard dogs” is to work with elected officials to pass ordinances that ban or restrict chaining. To get started, see what current legislation on tethering dogs exists in your community.
Dogs should never be left outside unattended, but when they’re outside and deprived of access to water or shelter, the situation becomes an emergency—and you should contact local authorities right away. If they are unresponsive, contact PETA for help. Dogs’ well-being—even their lives—could depend on you.
