As stated in previous petitions by the Mississauga Humane Society to Stop 24/7 Outdoor Chained/Confined Dogs for their New By-law which passed recently to start December 2014: "Dogs are social creatures. Without companionship and exercise they become bored, agitated or even depressed. The backyard or chained dogs are left alone 99% of the time. Many of these dogs do not have access to food, fresh water or even shelter. They are not provided with vet care when they get sick. They are completely neglected. This is INHUMANE. Chaining also creates a Hazard for dogs because they can become tangled and/or hang themselves. For our Community 24/7 Outdoor dogs create problems in neighbourhoods: 1) Nuisances such as barking,  2)Dog Attacks. Dogs that are kept on chains or in pens for life are deprived of socialization and can become very dangerous. They are 10 times more likely to bite. When they get loose they terrorize neighbourhoods, attacking pets/children. They can be a THREAT to the community. Many Neighbours feel sympathy for the dog and become upset with the owner creating tension in the neighbourhood". 

Most importantly Dogs are social pack animals who need companionship, love, exercise as well as a safe place to sleep away from the harsh outdoor elements. Dogs Feel loneliness, fear, sadness, they  feel cold, heat and hunger. Its important that we recognize this and start treating these dogs with respect, love and protect them because they don’t have a voice so its up to us to make sure our voices are heard and change happens. Every year the Humane Society receives hundreds of complaints about dogs being left outside for long periods of time  (chained up and confined). Some of these dogs overheat, freeze to death or suffer severe frostbite and dehydration. Its devastating that in todays society we don’t have a by-law protecting them from this INHUMANE treatment. Why is it lawful for people to treat dogs with such CRUELTY? Many Cities, Mississauga  for example has passed a by-law to protect dogs from suffering and  experiencing such torture. Its time that Stone Mills adds their name to the growing list of places who are "Dog Friendly". With having this by-law in place we will protect dogs from ever having to experience this CRUELTY and so they can live a happy, safe and fulfilling life. Please sign the petition so today dog has a chance of a happier and healthier tomorrow.