Defenseless Victims: Chained And Tethered Dogs

I am writing this petition in protest of the lack of laws and regulations regarding "chained" or "tethered" dogs in New York State.

New York, along with few other states, does not have laws regulating or restricting the inhumane act of "chaining" or "tethering" outside dogs. Our society is unaware of the negative affects that this action has on our dog population. People are unaware of the fact that the act of "chaining" or "tethering" dogs causes major psychological damage to the dog, therefore, the dog owner unknowingly increases the possibility of their dog becoming a threat to society. A chained dog is at a higher risk of being attacked by another dog, and the chain makes the dog defenseless, nonetheless. And then there is the possibility of the dog breaking free and roaming the streets. A dog running loose is a safety hazard, especially if that loose dog has lived a very stressful, unsocial, and cruel life on a chain. The chained dog typically develops hostility and resentment toward anybody with whom they come in contact with. In addition, a chained dog may suffer harassment and teasing from humans. They suffer from insect bites and they are at high risk of contracting specific diseases. Very rarely do these dogs receive proper medical treatement. These dogs, simply put, live a life of torture. Please help us stop this abuse. Please make New York another state that recognizes dogs as valuable life.

Dogs are naturally social beings and they thrive on attention and interaction with humans and other animals. "Chaining" or "tethering" a dog for a long period of time prevents them from living a normal life, and causes them to experience "solitary confinement." In a lot of cases, those who chain their dogs outside choose to own a dog for show, rather than companionship. They do not see this act of "chaining" or "tethering" as an act of cruelty. They believe that a dog belongs outdoors at all times. On some levels, "chaining" or "tethering" a dog falls into the same catagory as child abuse. A compassionate person would recognize this act as being abusive.

The life of a human being is held on a pedestel in the eyes of the law, compared to the life of animals. In the eyes of ethics, the life of a family pet should be treated with the same worthiness of the life of the human family. If that cannot be accommodated, then that family should not own a pet.

The act of "chaining" or "tethering" a dog is inhumane, as reported in a statement issued by the U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) on July 2, 1996. The Federal Register against tethering dogs reads as follows:

"Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury."

When a dog is confined to a chain, they are forced to eat, sleep, urinate, and defecate in the same area, which goes against their natural instincts. Dogs belong indoors, especially for protection against the elements. Of course, they need their occasional outdoor runs so they can play and relieve themselves. If a person is not able to provide comfortable, proper shelter for their dog, then that person should not "own" a dog. If New York has a law that either bans or regulates the "chaining" or "tethering" of dogs, then our society will be a safer place, lowering the possibility of having a vicious dog running loose in our streets. Not to mention, New Yorkers can and will feel proud to know that their state is making an effort to be more animal conscientious.

Animal abuse, in all shapes and forms, happens every day. Please sign my petition in the hopes that someday, this particular abuse of our dogs will be eliminated in New York State, and eventually, throughout the entire country. One step at a time, we can eliminate the abuse of our defenseless creatures.