Dog chaining issue being addressed

[TribalRats]

Dog chaining issue being addressed
2/12/2007

In recognition of California Senate Bill 1578, the Sequoia Humane Society is joining the organization Dogs Deserve Better to recognize “Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week,” which began last Wednesday and will extend through this Wednesday.

Enacted Jan. 1, SB 1578 prohibits pet owners from tethering or otherwise restraining a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours every 24 hours, punishable by an infraction with a fine of up to $250 or a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment.

Lt. Steve Knight of Humboldt County Animal Control said since Jan. 1, animal control has responded to more than 20 cases of dog tethering, which he says is a fairly significant problem. Knight said animal control officers usually give the dog owner a warning and explain the dangers of extensive tethering, then follow up at a later time to verify the owner has followed instructions. If not, the owner is issued a citation under the new law, and if the problem persists, Knight said, the officer would bring the case to the district attorney for prosecution.

“Dogs that are tied for a long period of time can develop neurotic-type behavioral problems, and can become very protective of their environment and exhibit bad behavior,” Knight said. “If a small child were to get in the area of a dog that is chained up and hasn’t had much interaction with humans, the dog can pose a serious threat to a child. Children often don’t recognize the warning behaviors the dogs exhibit, and it can end very badly.”

Knight said he believes the efforts of the Sequoia Humane Society for public education are valuable, as they help more dog owners care for their animals in a responsible way.

Sequoia Humane Society Executive Director Cynthia MacMillan said chaining dogs presents both health and behavioral problems for the dogs, as well as a danger to people around them. She said the Humane Society has been working with animal control about the dog tethering, and because the organization has no legal authority to take legal action, they focus on public education to prevent the abuse from occurring.

“Have you ever seen a dog that is chained up?” MacMillan asked. “They are constantly pulling at the end of their chain and barking, and more often than not, dogs that are chained up all the time are not well cared for. If an owner leaves their dog chained up all day, what motivation do they have to go out and interact with them?”