Editorial by: Xavier E. Martinez

xmartinez@onlyforpetlovers.com

Several animal rights organizations have rightfully spoken out against the dangers of tethering dogs. Tethering refers to the tying an animal to a fixed object or structure by means of a chain, rope, leash or running line. Just the term tethering upsets me. In my mind, it is related to a game children play, where they stand around a poll with a ball tied to it and beat the living crap out of it until somebody loses. Is this how we think of our beloved dogs? An inanimate object attached to a rod, which we can abuse?

There are many known cases of dogs that have been injured and killed due to irresponsible care on their owner’s parts. In many instances, tied up dogs are strangled to death because they jump over fences or become entangled on their own leashes. This is why many counties around the U.S. have instituted bans on this immoral mistreatment of dogs.

Miami-Dade County is the most recent to institute such a ban. In April of 2009, it will become illegal to tether a dog in Miami unless the owner is with the dog and certain other conditions are met.

Conditions include but are not limited too:

• The dog is in visual range of the owner.

• A buckle type of collar or body harness connects the tether.

• The tether is at least five times the dog’s length, 1/8 the dog’s weight and free of tangles.

• The dog is not outside during extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, extreme cold or tornadoes.

• The dog has access to water, shelter and high ground.

• The dog is not sick or injured.

• The dog is at least six months of age. NO PUPPIES.

If a pet is illegally chained the owner will receive a warning.  Failure to take corrective action will result in a civil penalty of $100 and a $500 penalty for additional offenses. Even though this is a step in the right direction, in my opinion, these penalties are not strict enough. Tethering a dog has dramatic impacts on the behavior, health and psychological well being of the animal.

According to Dr. Sara Pizano, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services, studies show that tethered dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite. Dogs are naturally protective of their surroundings. They survive on their natural fight or flight instincts. A tethered dog, which does not have the option of flight, will automatically fight if threatened. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that 17% of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 were restrained on their owners' property at the time of the attack. Sadly, most of these attacks were on children.

A well-adjusted dog will not attack children. If a dog is accustomed to being around people it will know who and when to defend. A protective dog can sense when a family is in danger and acts accordingly. However, a chained dog becomes aggressive and not protective resulting in harmful behavior.

Dogs tethered for a significant amount of time develop multiple health problems like raw or sore-covered necks. Some dogs have even been found with their collars embedded into their skin after prolonged periods of exposure. If a dog becomes entangled in his rope it could restrain him from reaching his food or water, leading to further malnutrition issues.

Other animals also pose a danger to tethered dogs. A tied up dog cannot defend itself from passerby animals such as wild cats, stray dogs or biting insects. These animals can cause major damage to a defenseless canine. Chained dogs are also easy targets for theft. Thieves looking to sell stolen dogs to animal research institutes or dog fighting rings prey on tethered dogs. A tied up dog is basically defenseless against such adversaries.

A friend of mine had his 50-pound pit bull stolen straight out of his backyard because she was tied up. The dog was kind, happy and nurturing, but now is probably living in a barn somewhere being used as a weapon of death. Poor thing.

We at Only for Pet Lovers applaud Miami-Dade County for implementing a chained dog law. If more counties across the state and more importantly around the country could do the same thousands of lives would be saved every year. States that have implemented chain laws include California, Texas, West Virginia, Connecticut and Virginia.

If you live in a part of the U.S. without dog tethering laws please email your local state representative regarding the issue. Help us save these poor, suffering creatures.

For more information visit http://www.unchainyourdog.org/