Why is it wrong to keep a dog on a chain?

Keeping a dog on a chain or tether might not seem like a malicious act. After all, dogs enjoy getting outside and we don’t want them running away. Unfortunately, restricting their freedom to move around, play, and engage in natural dog behaviors, they are bored, lonely, depressed and often aggressive. Living life at the end of a chain is extremely harmful to a dog’s health, well-being, and ability to properly socialize with humans and other animals.

Why do chained dogs become aggressive?

According to the Humane Society of the United States, Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with humans and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive. 

Are dogs who are allowed inside happier?

Dogs who are allowed inside and are properly socialized and trained make much better pets than dogs who are continuously kept on chains or tethers and left to fend for themselves. Remember, dogs are like kids – they need a loving home, the ability to run around and play outdoors and a nice, cozy bed indoors. The better you treat your dog, the better they’ll treat you.

Why are chained dogs so sad?

“Out of sight, out of mind” is the way most chained dogs are treated. They rarely receive sufficient care, have infrequent feedings and overturned or filthy water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and suffer through extreme weather with little or no shelter. And because their often neurotic behavior makes them difficult to approach, chained dogs are rarely given even a small amount of affection. They just become ‘part of the scenery’ and are easily ignored by their owners.

What about the laws?

Every night in Virginia, hundreds of dogs are forced to sleep outside, regardless of the weather.  We're often asked, "WHY does this happen?" Under current state law, it is legal to tether a dog outside 24/7 on a heavy chain that’s only a few feet long, regardless of weather conditions.  Some cities have stepped up to ban this practice, but in most rural areas we service, these dogs aren't afforded the same protections.

Are chained dogs more susceptible to Lyme disease?

The dogs we work with are often completely covered in ticks-- and hundreds, if not thousands, of fleas.  This is by far the most uncomfortable thing about living outside for these dogs, and it can only get better if we limit the time they are chained. Along with working with owners to allow their dogs inside, we teach them about monthly flea and tick preventative, and how to administer it. We will often provide these meds for them, if cost is the issue.

Why are chained dogs often so dehydrated?

Often times chained dogs have no water. Either their bowl has been tipped over, or it’s rarely refilled. And when temperatures are below freezing, their water freezes.  So even if the owner puts water out, and it’s not accidentally tipped over, it may still freeze, leaving the dog without water which is a huge health hazard.  This is why we work to include temperatures into any new legislation.  This way, you just have to read the thermometer on your dash to know when someone is breaking the law. Failing to provide adequate water is illegal, but it’s almost impossible for Animal Control Officers (ACOs) to check up on a dog every day and enforce this. 

Why are chained dogs more at risk for being attacked by other dogs or wild animals?

Without a place to hide, or the ability to run away and protect themselves, chained dogs are sitting targets.  Many have puncture wounds in their ears and around their spine from other dogs or wild animal attacks. Without proper vet care or the ability to recover inside in a clean environment. abscesses form, and the dog just doesn't stand a chance.   The legislation we promote and advocate for limits the time a dog spends outside, which would decrease these occurrences.

Why do chained dogs create such an overpopulation problem?

An outdoor female dog will give birth at least once a year. And since most females go into heat twice a year, they often give birth to two litters of puppies every year while living outside (and usually give birth outside with no one around). Most dogs we care for are not spayed or neutered, either because the owner can't afford it, or their person doesn't believe in sterilizing their dog. With the stray population in Virginia, it's practically impossible for a female NOT to get pregnant because a stray male dog will impregnate a chained female.