Adopt Stronger Animal Care Laws that Prevent Tethering as a Primary Means of Confinement for Dogs
The Issue
A dog on a tether or chain day in day out is no life for a social animal or any animal for that matter. Sadly this is the fate for thousands of outdoor dogs in BC.
Under current laws, as long as the animal has its basic needs of water, food, and a shelter of some type supplied there is nothing that stops a person from leaving an animal tethered or alone in a yard day in and day out.
This is as cruel as solitary confinement for life for an innocent, social animal who has no voice and no way to protest.
Tethered dogs often get tangled in their chains, making it impossible to reach shelter, shade, food or water. Tethered dogs have been known to grind their teeth down to stumps. Many compulsively lick an area of their body until it turns into a bleeding sore (granuloma). Tethered dogs inflict one quarter of all dog bites recorded. Tethered dogs frequently become withdrawn and depressed and resort to compulsive barking, chewing and digging.
From the BC SPCA Website:
Passive cruelty. Neglect. Ignorance. These are all terms that can be used to describe the act of leaving a dog on a rope or chain, or even in a yard alone and isolated, for long periods.
Dogs, like humans, are social creatures and require the companionship of their "pack." Without the benefit of companionship and socialization it accords, dogs can become neurotic, depressed or aggressive.
Dogs are social creatures who need to be part of a family. Banishing them to life on a chain is cruel and dangerous.
Left alone and exposed, dogs will become fearful, aggressive, anxious and desperate, putting anyone who comes close at risk.
As our society changes and science develops our understanding of animals as sentient, intelligent beings with intellectual and social needs we need to change our laws to improve the lives of our outdoor dogs.
Many municipalities in North America have laws preventing this cruel practice. Why don't we?
Together we can change this!
We the undersigned are asking the government to adopt stronger animal care laws that prevent tethering as a primary means of confinement for dogs.
The Issue
A dog on a tether or chain day in day out is no life for a social animal or any animal for that matter. Sadly this is the fate for thousands of outdoor dogs in BC.
Under current laws, as long as the animal has its basic needs of water, food, and a shelter of some type supplied there is nothing that stops a person from leaving an animal tethered or alone in a yard day in and day out.
This is as cruel as solitary confinement for life for an innocent, social animal who has no voice and no way to protest.
Tethered dogs often get tangled in their chains, making it impossible to reach shelter, shade, food or water. Tethered dogs have been known to grind their teeth down to stumps. Many compulsively lick an area of their body until it turns into a bleeding sore (granuloma). Tethered dogs inflict one quarter of all dog bites recorded. Tethered dogs frequently become withdrawn and depressed and resort to compulsive barking, chewing and digging.
From the BC SPCA Website:
Passive cruelty. Neglect. Ignorance. These are all terms that can be used to describe the act of leaving a dog on a rope or chain, or even in a yard alone and isolated, for long periods.
Dogs, like humans, are social creatures and require the companionship of their "pack." Without the benefit of companionship and socialization it accords, dogs can become neurotic, depressed or aggressive.
Dogs are social creatures who need to be part of a family. Banishing them to life on a chain is cruel and dangerous.
Left alone and exposed, dogs will become fearful, aggressive, anxious and desperate, putting anyone who comes close at risk.
As our society changes and science develops our understanding of animals as sentient, intelligent beings with intellectual and social needs we need to change our laws to improve the lives of our outdoor dogs.
Many municipalities in North America have laws preventing this cruel practice. Why don't we?
Together we can change this!
We the undersigned are asking the government to adopt stronger animal care laws that prevent tethering as a primary means of confinement for dogs.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on July 15, 2015