South Carolina: Protect Dogs From Cruel Chaining and Tethering

Dogs who are kept chained in one spot for long periods of time suffers immense psychological damage, and can become neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and often very aggressive. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become rubbed raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining in desperate attempts to escape confinement.

You can help change this. New legislation (S.B. 833) has been introduced that will place restrictions on the tethering of dogs in South Carolina.

TAKE ACTION:
Please make a brief, polite phone call your state senator and ask him or her to support this legislation. Click here to look up your state senator and the phone number.

After you make your call, fill in and submit the form at the right to automatically send a follow-up email to your legislator. Remember to personalize the email message by expressing your opinion in your own words; it's much more effective.

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City Bans Tethering, Chaining Dogs

FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth City Council today approved an ordinance banning dog tethering. The new ordinance, which becomes effective this week, makes it illegal to use a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device to attach an unattended dog to a stationary object or trolley system. A dog still must be confined within a secure enclosure at all times.

This new ordinance is partly due to a new state law passed in 2007, which allows tethering during certain time frames, under certain circumstances and using certain types of restraints.

“There is evidence that tethering dogs makes them more dangerous,” said Assistant Public Health Director Scott Hanlan. “Unfortunately, our animal control officers encounter on a daily basis tethered dogs that are neglected and left without food, water or shelter.”

One study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that animals that are kept roped or chained are 2.8 times more likely to bite people than dogs not kept roped or chained. In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends never tethering or chaining a dog, because it can contribute to aggressive behavior. Anti-tethering campaigns are also endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society of the United States.

Under the new ordinance, the tethering of dogs will still be allowed under limited circumstances when the owner is present. The exceptions include a lawful animal event, city dog park, veterinary treatment, grooming, training or law enforcement activity.

Those who violate the new ordinance could face a fine as high as $2,000. However, Animal Care and Control staff emphasize that they will work with residents to educate them on this new law. Staff members also will provide residents with information on low-cost, more humane ways to restrain dogs before issuing citations for violations that don’t pose immediate threats to people or animals.

The issue of chained-up dogs is one element in the larger problem of irresponsible pet ownership faced not only by Fort Worth but by communities across the United States. Fort Worth animal control officers impounded 25,500 animals last year. Unfortunately, about 70 percent of those animals never made it out of the shelter alive.

For more information, call the Animal Care and Control Division at 817-392-3737.

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Media Contact:
Susan Whittenberger
Public Education Coordinator
Public Health Department
817-871-6658 (office)
817-999-8493 (cell)
susan.whittenberger@fortworthgov.org