WHAT TO DO ABOUT A CHAINED DOG:
Do you or someone you know tie up your dog outside? It’s a common practice in Nashville. Nashvillians give many reasons for chaining their dogs. Some people are frustrated by their dog’s inside behavior, and feel it cannot be trained to live inside.
Others believe dogs belong outside. But dog owners should know that chaining is potentially dangerous for dogs, both psychologically and physically. It is really the cruelest way to contain your dog.
Dogs Are Pack Animals.
They have been bred over thousands of years to form a strong attachment to a human family. Chaining dogs appears to eliminate canine behavioral problems, but officials with the Humane Society of the United States say it doesn’t. In fact, it can even make it worse. Dogs who are continually tied outside and isolated can become unhappy, anxious, and even aggressive. Chained dogs often cause barking disturbances for neighbors. In Nashville, Metro police report at least 5% of all dog barking complaints involved chained dogs between November 2002 and March 2003.
Studies have also shown that chained dogs are more likely to bite than other dogs. According to HSUS there were 109 fatal dog attacks in the U.S. between 1989 and 1994. Of those, 18% involved chained dogs. Many of those dogs attacked toddlers who wandered into unfenced yards.
Chained Dogs Can Get Hurt.
Dogs tied outside can unintentionally hang themselves, especially if their leash is too close to a fence. They can also be bullied or attacked by other animals or humans who pass by. Chained dogs can also accidentally spill their water or food, which would leave them with nothing to eat or drink. In addition, isolated dogs may chew poisonous plants or other potentially harmful objects out of frustration.
How can you help?
Know The Law
Nashville’s metropolitan government does not yet require pet owners to get rid of their chains and tethers, but it does require basic needs for outside animals.
- Tethers for animals must be at least 15 feet long.
- Outside animals must have adequate shelter against the elements, including 3 walls, a roof and a floor.
- Outside animals must be provided with fresh water and food daily.
- See our law page for more information
- Write to your city council member and ask them to make the laws tougher on people who chain their dog or hurt animals. And be sure to thank them when they follow through!
- Don't be silent. Write letters to the editor or letters to judges and district attorneys about animal abuse cases and let your opinion be heard! Letter writing is effective.
Always Report Abuse and Neglect
Metropolitan Nashville Animal Services
5125 Harding Place
Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: 862-7928
As a neighbor you can:
- Offer to give a dog house or a tip proof water bowl or food bowl to a chained dog.
- Offer to walk or groom a chained dog.
- You'd be surprised at how showing compassion and respect for both the dog and the owner can change the attitude of someone that chains their pet!
- Avoid being confrontational, this may be counterproductive. Offer toys or a dog house to your neighbor, you might even say that it belonged to a friend or family member who was trying to get rid of the toys or house.
- If you see a dog without water or food, take food to the dog and be sure to file a report with Animal Control immediately.
Learn How To Ditch The Chain
- Fence your yard or make improvements to an existing fence so your dog can’t jump over it or dig under it.
- Consider “dog-proofing” areas in your yard by installing barriers around areas you don’t want dug up… that way your dog can roam free.
- Consider putting large rocks at the base of your fence or burying chicken wire if your dog likes to escape by digging its way out.
- Spay or neuter your dog so he's less likely to roam.
- Enroll your dog in an obedience class to correct unwanted behaviors.
- Provide mental stimulation so your dog is less likely to bark, dig or chew. For example, give your dog toys, exercise, and plenty of “people time.”
GNAW will mail information to pet owners that tether their animals. If you are concerned for the welfare of an animal, please send an email and include the address of the pet. Tax deductable donations are accepted to offset postage and printing costs (donate via paypal).