My dogs love because they are well taken care of,  My dogs love me because they are my pride and joy,  My dogs love me because I spoil them,  My dogs love me because I take them shopping to Petco and Petsmart. My dogs love me because I share my bed with them.  My dogs love me because I am me. 

Tamira Ci Thayne journeyed to Texas to testify for Senate Bill (SB) 634, a bill in the Texas legislature to strengthen the state's current anti-chaining law. The bill would have prohibited a person from leaving a dog alone on a chain or tether.  It would also require a minimum of 150 square feet of space for a dog being kept in an outdoor enclosure. However, the bill was thrown out in committee. Approximately 15 people who wanted to continue chaining their dogs showed up to speak, stating things like: "I have champion pit bulls, who LOVE it on the end of the chain. Yes, they are happy."

And "We don't allow our four year old to go within the circle made by our dog's chain, because we know what could happen (wait, isn't that proving OUR point?)"

And "Chaining is actually a very appropriate way to keep your dog, and the safest way..."

Now, if you think this all is a load of crap, then you HAVE to start showing up for your state and local legislation efforts! Right now the opposition, who doesn't really have a leg to stand on, is winning because we aren't showing up. 

Therefore, the state passed last session remains in force, and this line is what allows people to continue chaining despite seeming time limits:

UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG.  (a)  An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog's movement:

Huh? Who's to say what unreasonably limits the movements?

Texas Dogs Deserve Better Representatives are shaking off the upset and are ready to work with Texas communities using the state law, which is only a base guideline, to strengthen individual city ordinances against 24/7 chaining of backyard dogs. Tamira Ci Thayne then went to  Asheville, North Carolina to testify against tethering there.

In this case, animal advocates were amazingly present due to Chain Free Asheville's efforts, and city council has now given Chain Free Asheville and the Chief of Police 60 days to hammer out a revised ordinance. The citizen support made the difference for the chained dogs of Asheville.
Visit for more information and link to http://www.chainfreeasheville.org.
 
SHOWING UP MATTERS!

"Nope, there ain't no chains on us. Nothin' is going to hold us back from our fight against this accepted form of backyard cruelty!"  You can Help

Hobbs, New Mexico Dogs Deserve Better Representative Amanda Barnett Green  would like to thank New Mexico Shar Pei Rescue for stepping up and offering sanctuary for KiMo, a 5-6 year old Shar Pei/Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix.

KiMo was found wondering around aimlessly with a seat belt wrapped tightly around his neck. The ends of the straps had clips that were probably attached to a fence or other stationary object which his 'caretakers' thought this was good enough for him.

Thank you to New Mexico Shar Pei Rescue for taking in this Shar Pei Mix , KiMo , giving him freedom and the chance to live the life he does deserve! 

 

 

All together now... Let's give a BIG Dogs Deserve Better Salute to New Mexico Shar Pei Rescue... SA-LUTE!
 

From Dogcatcher to Animal Cop- The role has changed, but have your community's laws changed to accommodate the job? Once upon a time a dogcatcher was simply that; someone to catch stray dogs.  Today the title is often Animal Control Officer  (ACO) or Humane Officer and the position focuses more on complaints of animal abuse and neglect which most anyone will confirm  the majority of these complaints can be found on the end of a chain. Now is a good time to update ordinances to provide the necessary tools needed to perform the job citizens expect of your ACO.

There are 3 major options for chaining/tethering ordinances.
 
 
 
Note:   The least popular of these tethering laws and ordinances contain the word 'unreasonable'.  For instance, "Dogs may not be tethered for an 'UNREASONABLE' amount of time." Animal Control Officers often question the word 'unreasonable' and it's definition according to different people.  However, everyone can agree that "unreasonable" does NOT mean 24 hours a day 7 days a week otherwise there would be no purpose for passing the law.  Animal Control should be the ones to decide what should be deemed 'unreasonable'.  If there is a question, work this out ahead of time and notify through community outreach what is expected of dog owners.
 
 
Be resourceful.  Combine the best parts of different ordinances.  Remember:  There is always room for provisions in ordinances so lawmakers will see them as reasonable for your area. For instance a provision may be  allowed for a dog to be tethered to a stationary object providing the dog is within reach of the owner. Examples of this are while the owner is working or playing in the yard, working on the outside of the house, a car in the driveway, sitting with their dog at an outside café and secures a leash, etc.
 
Provisions may also be made if the dog is within sight of the owner; if while on a walk the owner stops and ties the leash to an object to make a house call, if the dog is tethered for a bathroom break or to get sun or fresh air, etc.
 
Points to consider:  

1.  It is a good idea when passing tethering ordinances to also include penned enclosures and what is expected as far as size and maintenance of a 24/7 penned backyard dog, as they suffer as much as a chained dog, though there is a fenced barrier between the dog and children. 
 
2.  It is becoming clearer that trolley systems are as bad or worse than chaining to stationary objects. Many communities are doing away with accepting trolley systems as a means of confinement.
 
Important Information for Animal Control  (ACO) and Officials:

Courtesy:  Many communities give a starting date when enforcement of  tethering laws will begin. This will help citizens make necessary adjustments in the way they contain their pets. Be sure to advertise in newspapers, radio, through flyers and other community outreach programs exactly what is expected from dog owners.  In this way you not only state how the new ordinance/law reads, but also what Animal Control will cite or not ticket for. One example:  Dogs are not to run at large, dogs can be tied to an object while the owner is present for training, relaxing, bathroom breaks, etc. If it is feasible for the size of your community, ACO's may allow owners to call in to ask questions or to discuss extenuating circumstances.  ACO's may need to be ready with answers to questions, and be prepared with research materials. 
 
Take a look at what other communities have done and change to suite your community's needs. 

Enforcement:  If an ACO feels an owner is not obeying the law, he/she should first talk to the owner or leave a reminder about the new law.  Next, check back with a warning. After that they should write a citation.  Remember, just like any law, the burden of proof is on the offender, not the police or animal control. 
 
If the ACO notes a dog is continually chained during certain time periods  he should alert police officers when driving by during regular  rounds to  note whether a specific dog is still chained during these hours. Police may simply log it in or call in to dispatch so the information may be supplied to Animal Control when he/she comes on duty.  Police and ACO's should work together.  Lawmakers need to address this with the Police Chief /Sheriff to ensure cooperation from police.  There are no laws or ordinances any less important than others; all laws should be respected and enforced.
 
Positive Changes:  After the initial trials regarding new tethering ordinances have been addressed, Animal Control will begin to receive fewer calls regarding loose, dangerous, neglected dogs and dog bites. Citizens will begin to see a their community as safer, more attractive and pet friendly which will help to promote business, industry, and new residents.  The positive changes from properly enforced tethering ordinances will quickly outweigh any negative complaints faced in the beginning Visit Get Laws for more information. Pass this information on to your ACO, Mayor and City Council Members or use it for yourself as you work on tethering ordinances in your own hometown!

DDB founder Tamira Ci Thayne was headed to the Central PA Animal Alliance Fashion Show in Harrisburg on Sunday, and was pulled over for speeding, 58 in a 45. Instead of resisting, she just sighed and  accepted that a ticket was pretty much on it's way. The policeman  asked where she was coming from and where she was going, and then came  back up to the van, reading her car magnets all the while. Instead of  giving her a ticket, he gave her a warning, and told her, "I just want  to know that I really admire the work that Dogs Deserve Better does!"

For a mere $24.97 (for one) to $42.97 (for two) you can save yourself 100's of dollars in speeding tickets, as well as spread the word about  chaining.
 

NIFAA's much anticipated comprehensive, how-to manual is being called a masterpiece all rights and rescue advocates must read!

Order Dog's Life Magazine and 50% will go to Dogs Deserve Better

 

Impress your clients with your literary taste..

Westhoff Law Firm in St. Louis, MO ordered Dogs Life Magazine for their office through Dogs Deserve Better.  Order for your office and home and help  DDB save chained dogs too!

Join Our E-Mail List