Facts About Dog Chaining and Tethering
by Sylvia Bagdonas
Tethering or chaining a dog under most state laws means that a person ties a dog with a rope or line to a stationary object. We all know that social norms of pet care have made tethering unpopular, so fortunately it is declining as a practice in the United States. Understanding that dogs are social animals like humans and require freedom to move around in order to be healthy, restraining dogs with chains or ropes for longer than a brief period of time is gaining acceptance as an unlawful practice. In addition, abandoning dogs outside without proper shelter in extreme weather conditions, when the temperatures are hot or during severe cold temperatures, has become unacceptable or illegal. This is not yet the situation in Wyoming.
According to Michigan State University Animal Legal and Historical Center keeping dogs in a small space by tethers or chains is of increasing concern for animal welfare advocates and animal control officials in the U.S. As of 2020, about twenty-three (23) states have laws that limit or otherwise control how owners can tether their dogs. Some states are increasingly adding long term, 24/7 tethering/chaining to their animal cruelty statutes.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) a dog’s health is severely compromised by chaining and in desperation the dogs can become aggressive and bite.
Although local ordinance changes are a way to initiate changing this behavior in pet owners it is becoming common for animal advocates to explore why people tether their dogs and look for community efforts to address the issues. Long term positive, constructive ways to empower owners to unchain their dogs may make it more likely they will keep their dogs untethered, keep future dogs untethered, and spread the word to others they know who may tether their dogs. Animal Rescue Corp Photo by Amiee Stubbs
Why do people chain or tether their dogs?
Some people chain or tether their dogs because that is how their family has always done it. They are not educated about the harm it can cause their dogs or they do not know there are other options.
The dog owner does not have a fenced yard or it is in need of repair. They cannot afford to construct a fence, repair it, or they do not have the ability to build a fence. The dog keeps running away and the owner is trying to protect it and/or prevent another citation and dog-at-large fine.
The dog creates damage inside the home and the owner does not know what to do about it.
Solutions to the problem:
Increasingly in Wyoming animal control and rescues will not adopt dogs to homes without fenced in yards. This is a priority question in the pet application process and home visits are required to ensure the health and safety of the dog and family members.
Even if tethering or chaining is legal in a city, animal control can make a friendly visit to see if they can improve the situation by helping the owner troubleshoot and gather resources to address the problem. Some community rescue organizations have funds set aside to help families with fence repairs or whatever is needed to improve the situation.
If owners must work all day, they may consider hiring someone to stop in during the midday and walk their dog.
Education about tethering and chaining is critical to change and improve owner behavior. Aside from an enforcement approach, many communities benefit from having a nonprofit organization focused on reaching out to pet owners with information, resources and services on pet care. As social norms are changing about pet care it is critical to inform citizens about them – distribute brochures, create radio blurbs, etc. about this.
Dog owners may consider installing a dog door so that the dog can go outside to relieve themselves and walk around. Again, this requires resources and know-how. Local groups are seeking donations for projects like this in their community.
Arguments against tethering or chaining dogs:
Chaining can cause an otherwise friendly dog to become aggressive.
Tethered dogs can unintentionally injure a passerby.
From 2003-2016 more than 450 Americans, mostly children, were injured or killed by chained dogs - that’s about 1 every 10 days.
Water left out for a dog can be spilled; or it might freeze if very cold, or evaporite if very hot
Protection from weather extremes for the dog is necessary, but not always provided.
Alternatives to tethering or chaining dogs:
The best and most logical alternative is a fenced yard, though it’s not always possible.
Keep your dog indoors, letting her out at regular intervals during the day.
If you see neglect and/or abuse of any kind, please report it.
DON’T LOOK AWAY!
