A dog's entire world should never be the length of a chain or the walls of a small kennel.

Every animal deserves to live with freedom, dignity, and compassion, yet across Ohio, many dogs spend their lives subjected to prolonged tethering, chronic confinement, neglect, and inhumane living conditions.

Unable to speak for themselves, they rely on us to be their voice. This is why Unchain Ohio exists.

At Unchain Ohio, we believe it is our moral responsibility to stand up for animals and advocate for humane, common-sense protections that reflect the values of compassion, responsibility, and public safety.

We're not saying your dog can never be tethered or confined, we're saying they cannot live there. 

Unfortunately, Ohio currently lacks comprehensive statewide laws that adequately protect dogs from prolonged tethering and chronic confinement. Without clear standards, too many animals continue to suffer.

But this issue affects more than animals.

Dogs forced to live in prolonged isolation and chronic confinement are more likely to develop fear, anxiety, frustration, and territorial behaviors. These conditions can increase the risk of dog bites and dangerous encounters, placing children, families, neighbors, postal workers, utility workers, and first responders at greater risk.

Protecting dogs also helps protect our communities.

That is why we are calling on Ohio lawmakers to pass the Ohio Humane Confinement and Tethering Act.

This legislation would establish practical, humane statewide standards by:

🐾 Prohibiting continuous tethering or chronic confinement in kennels smaller than 150 square feet for more than two consecutive hours or eight total hours within a 24-hour period.

🐾 Providing reasonable exemptions for temporary restraint during veterinary care, training, transportation, hunting, livestock work, camping, emergencies, and other lawful activities.

🐾 Requiring continuous access to clean drinking water, adequate shelter, shade, and protection from dangerous weather conditions.

🐾 Requiring tethers to be safely attached and long enough to allow normal movement without becoming tangled or causing injury.

This proposal is not about punishing responsible pet owners. It is about establishing clear, statewide standards that protect animals, support responsible ownership, assist law enforcement, and help create safer communities across Ohio.

By signing and sharing this petition, you are telling Ohio's elected leaders that compassion and public safety can-and should-go hand in hand.

A signature is free. Compassion is priceless. Be their voice. Sign today and help us Unchain Ohio.