It is a federal offense to abuse animals. However, tethering animals to this extent is not recognized as abuse in Mississippi. Our current laws in Mississippi allow animals to be chained or tied to trees and other structures as long as they are provided with food, water, and adequate shelter.  Most of the time they have no food or water and the shelter provided is less than adequate. These precious dogs are forced to live in one spot with little room to move or protect itself against predators. They are contrived to that area waiting for the next bowl of food or water that may, or may not, be brought to them.

We see this every day and we either turn our heads or know there is nothing we can do about it.  Did you know that humans have a natural defense against heat where dogs do not? Canines do not have sweat glands and cannot tolerate excessive heat. It is very easy for a dog to go into cardiac arrest or have a heat stroke when the symptoms are ignored.  Intensive confinement and long-term restraint causes pets to become neurotic, anxious, bored, lonely, aggressive, depressed, and often leads to illnesses.

These are the facts and they should not be ignored:

• Animals tethered cannot escape aggressive animals or free roaming dogs.
• Most times their food and water bowl has been tipped over from dragging the chain or rope.
• They do not receive adequate physical activity.
• Some dogs have died from strangulation after wrapping themselves around an object.
• They are more likely to bite than well-socialized dogs.
• They are susceptible to death or illness from extreme weather.  They are made to withstand heat, cold, and other conditions.
• They will cause abrasions to their neck from lunging or pulling the chain/rope.
• They suffer high exposure to disease-carrying insects including ticks, fleas, and mosquitos.
• They are forced to urinate and defecate in the same area they eat and sleep.
• They continuously bark from boredom and frustration.

Now ask yourself, could your body withstand these conditions?  Everyone needs to do their part.  This is not acceptable and should be considered abuse. 

This should outrage you enough to do something about it.  Sign the petition and make the change.  Just like we are the only voice for children, we are the only voice for these pets.  Be that voice!

This is not about pets that are put on runners or pets that are forced to live outside. This petition is for the dogs that do not know a life behind that chain/rope on that tree. They should not be made to live like this 24/7.