13 Comments

Such a tough subject….one that breaks my heart. Do you know if there are states that have been able to make this illegal? And if so, can we learn from them and broaden the effort to make it illegal in more states?

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Yes, there are states where tethering dogs has been made illegal or heavily restricted. As of 2023, about 23 states have laws that limit or control how owners can tether their dogs. These laws vary in their specifics but generally aim to prevent inhumane treatment of dogs through tethering.

For example, in California, it is illegal to tether a dog to any stationary object unless it is for a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for under three hours. Similarly, Connecticut prohibits tethering a dog for an unreasonable period, although what constitutes "unreasonable" is not defined by statute. Texas law specifies that a reasonable period for tethering does not exceed three hours in a 24-hour period.

Other states, like Indiana, include tethering as part of their anti-cruelty laws, defining neglect as restraining an animal in a manner that endangers its life or health. Additionally, some states, such as West Virginia and the District of Columbia, classify cruelly chaining a dog as a misdemeanor animal cruelty offense.

These laws are designed to ensure that tethered dogs have access to food, water, and shelter, and are not left in conditions that could harm their health or well-being.

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Very encouraging to hear! Thanks for such a thorough response. Now let’s get the rest of the states to make it illegal as well. 👍

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Great article, Ed! Another reason people tether dogs is to control their “property.” Many see animals as something to own and control.

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Very true, Cindy. Sadly, for some, pets are part of the lawn furniture providing "cheap" security services. Hopefully if enough of us call this condition out in our communities we can end it once and for all.

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Great article, Ed. The abuse of chaining and tethering should be illegal. Full stop. Thank you for addressing this today.

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There truly can be a life that might be worse than death. . .at the end of a rope or chain. These poor animals not only suffer from boredom, loneliness, fear and frustration, but they are also exposed to the risk of attack from other animals or humans. They are forced to endure the elements - extreme heat or cold, rain, flooding, snow; and God forbid, a climatic emergency event where they cannot escape to save themselves. Animal control agencies have confirmed that dogs become instantly less aggressive once released from their tethers. Great article, Ed.

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Thank you, Annoula, for your thoughtful response. You captured the dire reality that tethered dogs face perfectly. I can confirm from first hand experience that animal control agencies observe immediate positive changes when these animals are freed. They may be a bit traumatized, but they are more than willing to slowly trust again when given a chance. I appreciate your kind words and support!

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Well done, Ed. Tethering for lengthy times should be illegal. As to Einstein , I would add power as one of the great forces of the world of which tethered dogs have none. So very inhumane and sad.😔

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Great. Tethering is truly one of the most abhorrent abuses on dogs.

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Both human cruelty and human stupidity have no limits.

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I think Albert Einstein summed it up well in these two quotes: "Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear, and greed." and "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

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But we are sure of the latter. Sadly so, Ed. Sadly so.

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