Goldfarb: Chaining often brings out the worst in dogs

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Adam Goldfarb, Humane Society Of The United States

Chaining a dog in a yard for extended periods of time amounts to cruel punishment for the animal, but also poses a not-so-obvious safety risk to the community. The ordinance proposed by Chain Free Austin to restrict the unsupervised chaining of dogs, as reported in the Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 25, is definitely a move in the right direction. This ordinance is sure to improve the quality of life for all in this city — be they four- or two-legged.

Take a look at your own dog. Thousands of years of human-guided, selective breeding have led to the creation of this remarkable animal who craves little more than your companionship. The isolation of being chained up for hours at a time is not only physically cruel to this animal, but completely contrary to his or her nature.

Chaining causes intense boredom and loneliness for dogs, but that's only the beginning. The boredom can morph into frustration, then into territorial and aggressive behavior. And here's where the danger to the community lies: When confronted with a perceived threat, animals have a "fight or flight" response. Because chained dogs can't flee from a perceived threat, whether it be a neighbor's child or a well-meaning adult, they are left with one option: to fight — and the results could be deadly.

Multiple studies have shown that chained dogs are more likely to bite, and these studies are supported by the positions of a number of groups including The Humane Society of the United States and The American Veterinary Medical Association. In her book "Fatal Dog Attacks, the Stories behind the Statistics," author and veterinary technician Karen Delise notes, "Chaining a dog is arguably the single most dangerous condition in which to maintain a dog. Statistically, chained dogs are more dangerous than free-running packs of dogs."

People chain their dogs for a variety of reasons. Some believe that dogs belong outside and are happier there; others claim it is what has always been done, and some people think that a chained dog in the front yard will help deter intruders. But as we've grown to understand more about canine behavior, there have been more changes in human behavior: Fewer people are chaining their dogs, and more communities are passing legislation to address this crucial issue.

More than 100 communities across the country have ordinances specifically addressing dog chaining. Two progressive states, California and Connecticut, have statewide policies that restrict chaining. Even though Austin already has a chaining ordinance, its eight-hour rule has proved difficult to enforce.

In the past, proper animal care was limited to food, water and shelter. However, our dogs today have come to assume a greater role in the family. In recognizing our mutual dependence, we've learned that we have to go beyond the basics in caring for our dogs. Exercise, socialization and regular veterinary care are certainly necessary, but more than that, our dogs need our commitment to make their lives better, just as they have done for us.

Animal cruelty laws have been in place for a long time, but it is essential that these laws keep pace with the latest information about what is appropriate care for our dogs. Dog chaining goes against all we have learned about them and their needs. We applaud the efforts of Chain Free Austin and encourage the city's Animal Advisory Commission to do the right thing.

Goldfarb is an issues specialist in the Companion Animals Department of the Humane Society of the United States.