Imagine this scenario: a dog chained up outside 24/7, minimal human contact, desperate for attention and love, barely fed, no veterinary care, out in the freezing cold snow, the only shelter is a beat up "igloo" in the dirt, getting hit by its owners, and never knowing what love feels like. This is a real situation happening right this minute in Asheville, and the worst part...it's legal. 

Buncombe county has several municipalities, or towns within the county. Each town can construct specific laws but Buncombe county laws are enforced for all of these areas. The City of Asheville has certain laws that do not apply outside of city limits, and this is where the problem lies. If animals are kept outside of city limits and in Buncombe county, the only standards pet owners are held to are vastly insufficient. Here is a link to all Buncombe county animal ordinances: 

https://www.buncombecounty.org/common/Admin/animalControl_1104.pdf

In short, the county laws state that a dog can be chained or tethered 24/7 (with standards of specific chains), an animal can be left outdoors no matter the weather, the only veterinary care required is a rabies vaccine and to seek care if the pet is suffering, and to provide food every 24 hours and water available. While these standards are minimal for survival they do not help with providing quality of life. 

I have personally witnessed this scenario above and I have contacted Animal Services many times to no avail. Because of the laws in place, the officers tell me these people are not doing anything illegal. I have video of these people hitting one of their dogs in the face and the officers tell me that is considered discipline in the eyes of the law. There is nothing that can be done to help these poor animals or others in a similar situation if the laws do not change. 

The purpose of this petition is to revamp the minimum standard for animal care in Buncombe County. The law needs to protect animals and make sure they're in a situation where they have quality of life, not just enough to survive. I am proposing the law is changed to:

-No dogs kept on a chain or tether for 24 hour/day. To allow outdoor time on a tether for a portion of the day may be acceptable, but 24 hours on a tether should be unacceptable. 

-Companion dogs cannot be kept outside in extreme weather (temperatures below 32F and above 90F) for a period longer than 12 hours. 

-Shelter must be provided and elevated off of the ground by 3 inches and provide solid footing in order to allow the animal to retreat from the elements such as rain. 

If you agree with changing the law and stepping up to provide protection to animals who cannot speak for themselves then please sign this petition. I am planning to take this to the county commissioner and follow the proper channels to put this plan into action! Even small progress is an improvement!

I know what I have witnessed is only one example of many other dogs in similar situations. We the people of Buncombe must stand up for the voiceless and demand that our county laws be changed to reflect our values! 

Thank you for taking time to read this!