26 Comments:

• I imagine this bill has a lot to do with the fools who tether/tie dogs and allow them to die. We all know the stories,we've see photos of the horrible things people do to their animals. I am not sure, if the law is enforceable but it will give power to prosecuting those who deserve it.

  By  Anonymous, at 5:12 AM, June 02, 2006  

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• What makes dog tethering cruelty and killing a fetus not, is that the dog, even though it cannot speak, has feelings. Dogs are not meant to be tied up. Its not natural. Should we tie our kids up when they are playing in the backyard? The only difference is that they can put thier disagreement into words. People should not have dogs if they are just going to leave them locked in the backyard. What is the point???

  By  Anonymous, at 6:13 AM, June 02, 2006  

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• MY DOG IS FREE TO ROAM ANYWHERE HE WANTS TOIN THE HOUSE AND MY FENCED IN BACK YARD. HE'S A BEAGLE, SO HE PUTS HIS NOSE TO THE GROUND AND STARTS WANDERING. WHEN HE HIS IN THE FRONT YARD WITH MYSELF OR MY HUSBAND, HE IS TETHERED FOR HIS OWN SAFETY.

  By  Anonymous, at 11:14 AM, June 02, 2006  

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• You're missing the real issue here. Tethered dogs -- besides being miserable -- develop dangerous aggression issues that can lead to serious and even fatal bites. I know you have news feeds. Start paying attention to how many of those "family dogs kills toddler" stories involve a chained dog. It's remarkable, once you start noticing.
  
  Yes, I don't want dogs living on chains. What a horrible life. But I also don't want this set-up for child deaths and maulings to continue.
  
  Like you, I wonder about enforcement, and like you, I'm not real keen on more laws. But I do think this one has real value, and can save children's lives (and improve canine ones). This is a publc safey issue as much as an anti-cruelty one.
  
  Check out:
  
  www.mothersagainstdogchaining.org
  and
  www.unchainyourdog.org
  
  Gina

  By  Anonymous, at 6:42 AM, June 03, 2006  

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• Kids (and adults) who someday plan to own a pet should have access to pet awareness classes. If such people had the opportunity to learn the basics of pet behaviors, it could have positive impact on an entire culture. Presently, only TV shows like "Dogs with Jobs" and "Dog Whisperer" are teaching valuable technics as well as knowledge. The methods of Cesar Millan have proven that it's the human that creates the problem dog.

  By  Anonymous, at 1:25 PM, June 04, 2006  

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• As a former Humane Society Worker I am not convinced that it is the tether that is the problem. Dogs that are left to their own devices within a fenced yard, without attention or socialization can be just as aggressive as a tethered dog ... they are after all 'trapped' in an enclosure (yard). Every year children enter yards and are injured by dogs residing there. Even if the owners are not at home at the time, it's the dog that ultimately pays, often with its' life. First it suffers a 'life' of isolation and then because it's never been educated it, tries to protect itself from the unknown scary person ....

  By  Anonymous, at 7:03 PM, June 04, 2006  

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• This law is rediculous in the fact that tethering a dog can mean many things. Yes, having a dog and keeping it tied up outside its entire life is, to me, cruelty. It doesn't have a life other than using its own devices for amusement. Yet, having a dog that is doted on and lives in the home as a member of the family can also be thethered outside for periods of the day because he likes it outdoors and can look over his domain and watch birds, other animals, etc. Some dogs are perfectly happy to spend a few hours doing this. This doesn't mean that they are being abused or neglected, or that they will become vicious and attack children. How is this law going to distinguish between the cruelty of leaving a dog to its own devices for life and a beloved pet that enjoys his/her quiet time outside without his people around all the time. Remember, even humans like to be alone with their thoughts and get away from it all too. Tethering isn't the problem, its people that don't take proper care of their dogs properly and this law doesn't distinguish between them.

  By  Anonymous, at 8:07 AM, June 06, 2006  

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• This law is yet another burdensome regulation passed in response to hysteria not science. There is nothing in animal behavior science which justifies it at all.
  
  I'd have been done for, tethering my dog to the back of my truck while I was riding at the barn where I boarded my horse. Better I should have left him in the cab right? Horseshi*****
  No dog ever got any more love and affection, proper vet care, extraordinary vet care in fact, obedience school, came to my office....what a life! BUT he was frequently tethered in the back yard on a trolley or a long line because it was impractical or impossible to fence my yard. And CRUEL to leave him in the house all day.
  
  Present anti-cruelty laws are sufficient to address the issue. NY already passed this law and it's preposterous. I think it's also cruel, because now dogs like my old fellow will be stuck in the house all the time instead of outside getting fresh air.
  
  I agree, it's cruel to chain a dog and leave it forever. But it's not cruel to put a dog out in appropriate weather for a couple of hours for fresh air and exercise, or just to watch the birds go by.
  
  How about the mad mothers take a long hard look at what's really killing their kids? Like fast foods and trans-fats and food preservatives and worst of all, sugar. How many caring moms put down that daily bowl of multi-colored poison on the breakfast table.
  
  Another Libertarian, how about we all stop trying to make other people clones of ourselves? I'm against peeking into people's backyards, bedrooms or doctor's offices. You can't legislate common sense!

  By  Anonymous, at 3:15 PM, June 06, 2006  

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• Aggression is fear plus unresolvable frustration. Chained dogs tend to have both in spades.
  
  Chaining a dog is, short of administering regular beatings, the quickest way to create an aggression problem. Dogs who spend most of their lives on chains experience constant frustration, are vulnerable to attacks from wandering animals and are unable to seek shelter from inclement weather. There isn't a single legitimate dog trainer or behaviorist out there who would go on record to say that chaining doesn't cause lasting psychological damage to all but the most robust dogs.
  
  Owning an aggressive dog is like owning a loaded gun with no safety. No one has the "right" to keep a dog who will kill a toddler who wanders into its reach or will go on the rampage if it looses itself from its chain.
  
  Many local governments, including my own, have ordinances against chaining dogs for more than eight consecutive hours. None of these laws prohibit, as you disingenuously imply, briefly tethering a dog to give it some outside time in an unfenced yard or restrict its movements in the house.

  By  kim, at 8:37 PM, June 06, 2006  

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• I don't think that they passed this law with the idea of going after everyone who tethers their dog.
  I think this law was passed so they have some way of prosecuting people who neglect their chained dogs... If a dog is found to be tethered and uncare for properly, they now have a legal way to intercede on the dog's behalf.

  By  chicagocanine, at 9:44 PM, June 14, 2006  

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• Any dog, whether tethered, or leashed, is more prone to being aggressive, simply because their natural instint to flight or fight has been narrowed down for him. He can't flee, so is forced to fight.
  These are animals, with feelings, why own an animal if its simply going to be tethered outside?
  If a dog becomes dangerous because they are tethered, the owner should be held responsible. If they don't want to accept that responsibility, then get a pet rock.
  
  For the woman with a beagle, she tethers in the front yard -i'm assuming that you are out front (most, if not all of the time) with the dog. I don't think this law is aimed at 'normal' animal loving dog owners. Its the arses that keep their poor pups tethered 24/7.
  
  Instead of wasting time and money with this law, spend the money on pursuing other, more pressing animal cruelty issues. . . and no, i'm not saying this isn't a problem, but if its not enforceable, its a waste of time.

  By  Anonymous, at 8:20 PM, June 28, 2006  

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• I understand that chaining your dog up is cruel if left for life on a small chain, but really wonder if it's better to put them in a 10x10 caged area? Right now my dog is on a 20' tie and has a very large area to run and play in while I'm gone at work. If I put him in a 10x10 cube would that make it less cruel? He'd have less than 1/2 the space to play...I fail to see how this is any better for the dog and yet there aren't any comments or blogs about it.
  
  Another point is people need to be responsible when owning a pet, and should not leave them tied down 24/7. Currently my dog is tied down while I'm at work, but is not during the weekends or evenings because he's spending time with me - in the house, going to the store, dog parks, etc. He's not agressive towards children or other pets because he is socialized, which is the key to having a better dog.

  By  Anonymous, at 10:46 PM, June 28, 2006  

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• I don't like this law. I own a 40 lb. dog who loves to jump. She can easily jump a 7 foot fence. If she gets out, I might get in trouble for having her roaming around the neighborhood without an owner, or she might get hit by car. I have no choice but to keep her tied down (i have a 30 ft. tie for her right now. she can roam around most of the yard, but can't reach any fence).

  By  Anonymous, at 4:32 PM, October 06, 2006  

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• I am against tethering dogs. If you do not have a yard for your dog to run and play then you don't need a DOG, What is wrong with this picture??
  I have rescued a dog that was tethered he jumped a fence and was left hanging on the wooden fence, had I not seen this and ran over to it's rescue, it surly would have died from stranglation poor lil thing. I have seen dogs out in the cold and rain that were tethered, would you do that to your kid????
  NO! NO! these people to not deserve a dog and should be fined for cruelty to animals..

  By  Anonymous, at 4:36 PM, October 13, 2006  

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• Dogs are not meant to be tied up because is not natural! What about if somebody tie you up instead? will you like it? I don't think so. Dogs can not talk but they have feelings!!! Have you? Who goes for an abortion knows what she is doing!!!At least those organizations are trying to help and is better than nothing! How do you help animals?

  By  Anonymous, at 10:05 AM, October 18, 2006  

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• If you cannot see the value in this law you have your head in the sand. It was not that long ago that there were no laws protecting children, either. Being a "libertarian" is a poor excuse for not supporting a law that will protect the helpless. And if you don't like the idea of the government peeking into your yard, don't do anything illegal or cruel and you won't have to be concerned. A civilized society requires laws.
  
  Nobody's concerned about the dog who is on a lightweight tether for a few hours a day and spends the rest of his life as part of a family. Those of you who think everything is all about you, well here's a surprise - It's Not All About You. This law is to protect the animal.

  By  Anonymous, at 1:41 PM, December 04, 2006  

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• To compare tethering a dog to killing a fetus is a desperate cry to change the subject and speak out about another issue. The issue here is animal cruelty. Animals cannot speak up for themselves, they are dependant on humans. Unfortunately there are humans who have a very low level of awareness and cannot understand how restricting another life form might affect another's well being.

  By  Anonymous, at 12:05 PM, December 29, 2006  

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• What this law will do is turn a lot of dogs loose that should be tied up.
  This law will also flood the animal shelters with even more dogs they can't accommodate.
  People will be forced to choose between an expensive fence and groceries.
  Loose dogs pack together, creating a much greater danger to 'people' than the now loose dogs were ever in while safely chained.
  Animals are not people.
  Disneyfying them in anything other than animals is stupid and hypocritical.

  By  Anonymous, at 11:49 AM, December 30, 2006  

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• I feel this law is going to have a lot of owners turning over their pooches to Animal Control. What about people who work? Do you think it is better to keep your dog in a travel kennel all day? If they do have a 4x4 kennel would that be better? So they can stand in their feces all day? So if the law is enforced people are not going to be able to pay the fines so they will in turn be putting up their pet to be killed. Our home owners association does not allow dog runs or fences. I can not keep my dog indoors when I am not home so what should I do, allow an Akita to run the neighborhood while I am away? Should my neighbors let their two rottweilers rome with her? I think the law went overboard. If you see an animal who is abused and left with no interaction then report the person but tethering is not animal cruelty. Animal cruelty is watching the dog at the pound go in circles because he is waiting to die and kept in a confined space.

  By  Anonymous, at 11:42 AM, January 02, 2007  

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• The above commenter said..
  
  "I feel this law is going to have a lot of owners turning over their pooches to Animal Control."
  
  That's exactly what animal rights activists want. They are actually against pet ownership. They believe that fewer people owning pets will translate to fewer domestic animals, and therefore, fewer animal abuses.

  By  Steve, at 2:56 PM, January 02, 2007  

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• This comment seems to be a tad behind time wise, but I have just been introduced to this topic by a very recently passed anti-tethering city ordinance in my own community. I have read all of the previous comments. Those who claim they do not see the correlation between the tethering laws and abortion laws, are plainly those of the "Save the baby whales, kill the baby children" mindset, that being socialist. The tethering law is simply ca ontinued effort to erode away the people's rights to do with their property what they will to do with it, while giving the government more power and control over people. Don't be fooled, those of you that are purporting that they don't care about the people who only tether their dogs for a little while. When a seemly harmless and helpful law is enacted, it is nothing less than a law that can be enforced to the fullest letter. The courts then have a wide open door at interpreting that law. Today they may do nothing with it, but in the future, they can use this or the other 10,000 seemingly harmless little laws that they have created to coerce the masses to do their good pleasure. If you do not believe me, just study the early days of Adolf Hitler, or any other socialist leader.
  
  No! Dogs are not people, they are animals. What about cow abuse, or pig abuse? Do you ever hear of anyone complaining in the restaurant that cows are being abused when they order their steak? No, how ridiculous!!!
  
  As well, since the idea of relating children to dogs has been mentioned, I put it like this; tying a child out in the yard day and night would be (and is) wrong, but to put one on those little leashes like they use at the mall is for safety sake and is protective in nature, therefore a good thing. I think a fence is ideal, but for those that for some reason cannot have a fence, tethering is a humane alternative, if the animal is kept well and socialized.
  
  I agree other commenters that laws such as this are only going to increase animal cruelty by penning the animal(s) in too small an area and/or will cause owners to give up their pets, thus overcrowding animals shelters where they will ultimately be put down, and the public being given the reason of lack of funding to feed and house the animals. I guess the alternative is to treat dogs like we do cats in our society, let 'em all run loose. By the way, most of the dog mauling one hears about is due to just that, dogs running loose, making a pack, and then attacking. Although domesticated, dogs actually descended from wild animals, and that nature is still in their genes.
  
  Anyone that abuses their animal is despicable, whether it be a dog, horse, cow, or other, and would probably abuse their child and probably even a spouse as well! But making a law to not tether a dog is not going to change any of that!
  
  I am not a Libertarian, but I am not a Socialist either.

  By  Anonymous, at 1:23 PM, November 07, 2007  

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• "...What about people who work? Do you think it is better to keep your dog in a travel kennel all day? If they do have a 4x4 kennel would that be better? So they can stand in their feces all day? ... Our home owners association does not allow dog runs or fences. I can not keep my dog indoors when I am not home so what should I do, allow an Akita to run the neighborhood while I am away?..."
  
  I am very keen on dogs. That is why, when I lived in a house by myself for three years, and was doing a 9-5 job, I chose not to own one.
  
  Even if I took a dog out of its figuritive "box" (whether that be a chain or a yard or a cage) for a few hours each night, for my pleasure, I couldn't pretend to myself that the dog hadn't spent the rest of the day lonely, frustrated and unhappy.
  
  There are one or two nations on this planet that like to think of themselves as a "nation of dog lovers." I don't see it myself. Dog owners maybe, but not dog lovers.

  By  Anonymous, at 9:02 AM, January 11, 2008  

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• As a owner of a kennel of hounds i think this law newhere is a crock. What am i supposed to do let my dogs run loose so they can go kill a neighbors cat or livestock then end up having a police officer shoot them because of other laws... I have kennels and i tie out my dogs both. And there safe happy and get full attention everyday. I will challenge any breeder or person who does not tie up there hounds to go against me in a obiedence contest and ill even put up money. I let my dogs run loose there fair share and there loose alot while hunting but when there not hunting or the weather is severe or such there happily in my kennel or tied to there house in a safe environment. Sure..ill let 10 dogs run loose in my house of some of you wanna come clean my house everyday!

  By  ae2002nos, at 8:41 PM, February 02, 2008  

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• my dog just returned from running the neighborhood at 4 AM, after getting off her tether and hopping the fence.
  
  I have tried several types of tethers and I'd love some more suggestions on how to keep this dog in the yard, please!
  
  yahssis@juno.com

  By  yahssis, at 2:36 AM, February 20, 2008  

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• "my dog just returned from running the neighborhood at 4 AM, after getting off her tether and hopping the fence.
  
  I have tried several types of tethers and I'd love some more suggestions on how to keep this dog in the yard, please!"
  
  It sounds like your dog was desperately keen to not be kept on a tether in your back yard - desperate enough to break free. And now you want someone to suggest to you a better way of restraining your dog in a way that it clearly isn't happy with?
  
  I'm not going to suggest any such thing. I do suggest, however, that you find a way to make your dog happy. Try keeping it in the home, with the rest of the "pack". Failing that, give it to a rescue shelter and they will hopefully find it a new home and someone that cares for dogs.

  By  Anonymous, at 10:53 AM, March 07, 2008  

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• I have a 5yr old German Shepard that weighs 95 lbs.. He will jump and 10 1/2 foot fence. So the only way to keep him on our 3.5 acres is to either put him in a kennel that is to small for him and keep him on a run line. The run line prevents him from running into the busy road next to our property. My german shepard is very gentle and has never showed any aggression what so ever, with anyone that has to our home. I have a 9 month old son who is very playful with our dog and he has neever showed anything but love for my son. I would let him roam on our property but he likes to run across the street to be with the other dogs in the area. He is very large and scary at first glance because of his size. He is only tied up when me husband or I are at work as soon as my husband or myself get home we bring him in the house. 6 or 7 hours is the total amount of time he is tied up a day. But if they pass this stupid law, he will have to be put in a kennel which is not humane because of his size. I love my dog he is part of our family and I would do anything to put him in danger. But this law is stupid. We live in the country and people do walk around up here if he got out someone would end taking him due to his markings. This law shouldn't be passed!!!

  By  Anonymous, at 3:48 PM, April 18, 2008  

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