Countless dogs are left chained to dog houses in bitter cold temperatures .  Currently in Vermont, if the dog has food, water, and dog house, owners can tie their dogs out.  This winter we saved a dog tied to a dog house.  He had a full water bowl solid and frozen.  There was no way he could drink.  His dog food was scattered on the ground out of reach, and his dog house was inadequate.  The front of it was wide open with no wind protection.  When we rushed him to a vet, he was 20 pounds under weight and had worms. Vermont needs stronger laws to protect these animals.