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STOP DOG CHAINING IN HAYS COUNTY
As the days become years, many chained dogs sit, lay, eat, and defecate within the same 10-foot radius. Chained by the neck, they exist without respect, love, exercise, social interaction, and sometimes even basic nourishment. They live as prisoners, yet long to be pets.
Chaining is not only inhumane for dogs, but has taken a severe toll on this nation's children as well. In the period from October 2003 through today, there were at least 325 children killed or seriously injured by chained dogs across the country. Chained dogs, unsocialized with humans, can become very territorial of their tiny space, and any child who wanders into this space can be attacked and killed before adults can intervene.
The Center for Disease Control has said chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite adults. Chained dogs are nearly 5 times more likely to bite children. The National Canine Research Council reports that almost 30% of all fatal dog attacks involve chained or penned dogs. The ASPCA reports 81% of fatal dog attacks involve dogs that are isolated.
Would you for one second choose to live the life of these dogs? No matter what reason is given, the bottom line is that it is NOT ok to chain a dog for life. Dogs should not have to live chained or penned as prisoners, yearning for a place in a family, craving acknowledgement, respect, and love. They DESERVE BETTER, and we as caretakers have the obligation to provide it for them.
Chained dogs typically lack adequate veterinary care, food, water, or shelter. They are rarely exercised or interact with their families. These dogs suffer from neglect. Even if they are given basic care, they lead an unhappy, frustrating existence for such social animals. Dogs on chains suffer intense boredom, anxiety, even neuroses; their lives are very sad and lonely.
Dogs can choke to death when their chains became entangled with other objects, or develop infections and severe wounds when collars become embedded in their necks.
Please consider today how you can help the dogs in your neighborhood. If you see a chained dog or a penned dog daily, it is time to take action. Take a stand when you see dogs living chained or penned. Speak gently to the caretakers, sharing your convictions and information about ways they can improve life for their companion. Start changing the way you and your community think about the chaining of dogs today. Take a stand and make life right for all dogs everywhere!
Austin-Travis County passed an anti-chaining ordinance in 2007. It is time Hays County recognizes the existing cruelty of chained dogs in our County and pass an anti-chaining law.
Until we can get an anti-chaining law in Hays County, if you see a chained dog that is not receiving necessary food, water, care or shelter contact Hays County Animal Control 512-393-7896. It is a Class A misdemeanor of the Texas' animal cruelty statute to not provide food, water, care or shelter.
STATE OF TEXAS Sec.A821.077.UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG.
(a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog's movement: between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or in the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which: the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction; or a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.
Read the entire bill here
Dogs Deserve Better.com
Unchain Your Dog.org
How To Help A Chained Dog
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