Chained dog suffers w ith no affection or attention
Chained dog suffers w ith no affection or attention T h is column is dedicated to “Buddy”, a beautiful and loving shepherd, living his life on a chain here in Taos on Calle Medio.
Dear Readers, many of you contacted me after reading my column on chained dogs in last weeks’ edition (Nov. 12).
People in our community are asking questions, wanting more information. One readers questions: What is the difference between chaining a dog in your yard and having that same dog on a leash?
A chained dog has no freedom.
He sleeps, eats, urinates and defecates in the same small area. There is no protection from the weather, suffer ing through lightning and thunder stor ms.
He is vulnerable to predators such as humans, other dogs and wildlife. A chained dog suffers a continuous life of hell on ear th with no affection or attention.
A chained dog frequently will not have water or food and a shelter that will protect him.
Frequently owners of chained dogs are neglectful and abusive. Many of these dogs have chains for collars that grow into their necks.
A dog on a leash interacts with people. By virtue of the act itself, the leashed dog is walked and able to be around other people, other animals, living out in exploration the true, intrinsic nature of a dog.
People who use leashes are owners who walk their dogs, take them for r ides in the car and never would allow the terr ifying exposure chained dogs endure all their lives What is better — a dog roaming freely in your yard who may wander from it or a chained animal? A roaming dog has owners that believe they are allowing their pet to fulfill its “true nature,” or at least that is the excuse they use. Roaming dogs are subjected
TAOS BARK
TRISH HERNÁNDEZ
to vehicles, predators, other dogs, poisons and are taken by people who fight dogs used for “bait.”
Also, these dogs are stolen for laborator ies that conduct painful and horr ific experiments on your for mer pet.
A chained dog never has a moment of freedom and dies a slow emotional death, never exper iencing what it feels like to be free … to feel the affectionate touch of a human hand. Neither one is a humane choice.
When fencing is not an option how would it be best to keep a dog contained? Why is fencing not an option? It should at least be an option.
People just need to set a priority. Finances are a consideration but it should be given some ser ious thought.
Don’t we all enjoy roaming freely. Are dogs any different?
Should babies roam freely?
Dogs do not have the ability to make decisions that will keep them safe. Get over this!
As an alter native to fenced yards, I’ve heard of dog runs are these a good substitute?
Dog r uns are better than chaining and tether ing, as tether ing still exposes the dog to everything mentioned above.
Is there anywhere to go and ask questions find answers for more concise infor mation on how best to keep a dog and allow him to enjoy some freedom outdoors?
Contact me for excellent and informing Web sites on this subject. Start with www.
apnm.org, www.hsus.org and
www.aspca.org.
I do have a fenced-in yard but sometimes my animals “just get out,” then what?
Fix your fence!
More later on this subject.
Trish Hernández may be reached at thetaosbark@yahoo. com or (575) 741-5149.