I am a resident of Holly Springs, NC, and I am deeply concerned about the welfare of dogs in our community. The current Animal Protection Ordinance allows tethering dogs outside, a practice that is not only cruel but also harmful to their mental and physical health.

Dogs by nature social beings that thrive on interaction with people and other animals. A chained dog kept in one location for months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. A continuously chained dog usually becomes neurotic, anxious and aggressive.

• Chained animals spend their entire lives eating, sleeping, urinating and defecating in a single confined area. They are exposed to extreme weather such as snow, hot summer sun and  rainstorms. They also suffer from flea and tick infestation, heartworm disease, bugs, and other parasites.
• The victims of chained dog attacks are usually children who stumble accidentally into a chained dog’s territory. Dogs naturally feel protective of their territory.
• When confronted with a perceived threat, they respond according to their flight-or-fight instinct. Chained dogs that are unable to take flight often feel forced to fight.
• Chained animals are at more risk of being stolen and/or seriously injured or killed by another animal or person.
• Chained animals rarely receive sufficient care and attention and suffer from sporadic feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, exposure to the elements and little to no exercise. --

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated, “Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog’s movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog’s shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog’s movement and potentially causing injury.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), tethered dogs are nearly three times more likely to bite than untethered ones due largely in part to increased stress levels from prolonged confinement (HSUS). This isn't just an animal welfare issue; it's a public safety concern too.

Our town should be a place where all residents - including our four-legged ones - feel safe and cared for. Therefore, we must revise the Animal Protection Ordinance in Holly Springs by banning dog tethering outdoors. It's time we take action against this cruel practice for the well-being of our pets and community members alike.

Please join me in urging local lawmakers to amend this ordinance. Your signature will send a clear message that we value compassion over convenience when it comes to caring for our pets.

Sign this petition today!