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Tell Michigan: Dog Tethering Laws Need to Change
  1. Signatures
    1,151 out of 1,500
    Petitioning
    1. The MI State House (+ 3 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The MI State House
      • State Rep. Kevin Daley (MI-082)
      • State Rep. Ben Glardon (MI-085)
      • State Rep. Harvey Santana (MI-010)
  2. Created By
    Pamela Black
    Lapeer, MI
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

A growing number of Michigan residents support the introduction of new legislation regarding tethered dogs. The current law is antiquated, not befitting for a state with such high standards of animal welfare. Dogs are allowed to live their lives 24/7 on a chain. This comes from a state that has felony animal cruelty laws.

Jill Fritz, Michigan State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, reminds us that "standards for pet care are constantly changing and improving. There are many old-fashioned ideas about pet care that simply aren't acceptable by today's standards." Yet it is estimated that over 200,000 dogs in the United States are tethered.

Dogs are social animals; unfortunately, many tethered dogs are under-socialized. Combining this with the instinct to defend their territory, no matter how small it is, leads to a dangerous situation. By nature, dogs prefer to flee instead of bite. Restrict their movement by a chain and they may feel there is no other option than to bite in self-defense. Dogs did not ask to be put into a chained situation but are held responsible for their owner's judgement.

A grassroots movement of citizens is fighting for new and improved tethering laws. Please join them in getting this important piece of legislation introduced.

Photo Credit: Live Zakynthos

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Consider New Dog Tethering Legislation

Dear Representative,

A growing number of Michigan residents support the introduction of new legislation regarding tethered dogs. The current law is antiquated, not befitting for a state with such high standards of animal welfare: Michigan ranks in the Top 5 for animal protection laws.

Language of the proposed bill takes into consideration Michigan’s rich heritage of using dogs in a working capacity. It recognizes that there are some situations that require restraining a dog using a chain for safety reasons. It does not, however, allow for dogs to live all of their life on a chain.

Dogs are social animals; unfortunately, many tethered dogs are under-socialized. Combining this with the instinct to defend their territory, no matter how small it is, leads to a dangerous situation. By nature, dogs prefer to flee instead of bite. Restrict their movement by a chain and they may feel there is no other option than to bite in self-defense. The American Veterinary Medical Association has issued the following safety tip: "Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior." According to Center for Disease Control statistics, children are the primary victims of dog bites.

Please take a moment to consider the importance of updating Michigan’s laws regarding tethered dogs. It is not only for the welfare of the dogs, but for the safety of Michigan residents as well.

Thank you,

[Your name]

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