Dogs Deserve Better, 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award, is a voice for chained and penned dogs, whose sadness speaks only through the eyes. As the days become years, many of these dogs sit, lay, eat, and defecate within the same 10-foot radius. Chained by the neck, they exist without respect, love, exercise, social interaction, and sometimes even basic nourishment. They live as prisoners, yet long to be pets.
Chaining is not only inhumane for dogs, but has taken a severe toll on this nation’s children as well. In the period from October 2003 through August 2008, there were at least 246 children killed or seriously injured by chained dogs across the country. Chained dogs, unsocialized with humans, can become very territorial of their tiny space, and any two year old who wanders into this space can be attacked and killed before adults can intervene. A recent attack in Texas in March, 2007 left 2 year old Carolina Sotello dead from head and neck wounds. She was attacked and killed by an unneutered male dog chained in the backyard, next to an unspayed female with puppies.
Would you for one second choose to live the life of these dogs? No matter what reason is given, the bottom line is that it is NOT ok to chain a dog for life. Dogs should not have to live chained or penned as prisoners, yearning for a place in a family, craving acknowledgement, respect, and love. They DESERVE BETTER, and we as caretakers have the obligation to provide it for them.
Please consider today how you can help the dogs in your neighborhood. If you see a chained dog or a penned dog daily, it is time to take action. Please join Dogs Deserve Better today in taking a stand against this mistreatment of dogs.
Volunteer your time or be a rep for Dogs Deserve Better in your area. Become a member and help us prove there is strength in numbers. Help with community awareness by hanging posters, showing the chained dog video, wearing one of our colorful t-shirts, or applying a sticker or magnet to your window/car to educate and provoke thought in those around you. Place brochures and doorhangers throughout the community. Donate to our cause through the donations link or via snail mail.
Take a stand when you see dogs living chained or penned. Speak gently to the caretakers, sharing your convictions and information about Dogs Deserve Better and ways they can improve life for their companion. Print out this chained dog flyer or .pdf letter in which we request that they rethink their decision. (please, do NOT put letters directly in mailboxes, it is a violation of US Postal Code. Instead, check out our door hangers which can be hung over mailbox flags...) (Now available for penned dogs, and in Spanish as a Spanish flyer and Spanish letter...thanks to Jill Natowitz!).
If you are not comfortable approaching caretakers of chained dogs or penned dogs, use the doorhangers or submit this form with the names and addresses of the caretakers and we will send information in the mail. You will remain anonymous.
If you are here because you currently keep your dog chained or penned, we applaud your efforts to give him/her a better life. Browse the articles section for tips on housetraining and fencing. If you need help, contact us at info@dogsdeservebetter.org. We will help you.
Start changing the way you and your community think about the chaining and penning of dogs today. Join Dogs Deserve Better to take a stand and make life right for all dogs everywhere! NO CHAINS!
