Editorial-Dec. 13, 2007

Towns, state need to limit dog chaining

By Mae Rhine, Managing Editor
   A Stockton resident is asking municipalities to ban the chaining of pet dogs outside the home.
   Kathryn Hostettler notes Austria is the latest nation to ban the chaining of dogs, completely prohibiting the practice.
   Here in the United States, she says, Connecticut is the first state in the nation to limit chaining. California and Texas also have set time limits on chaining.
   We like the idea, although we see no reason for completely banning the practice. Some dogs, despite their owner’s best efforts, can wreak havoc in the home when unsupervised.
   These dogs need to be chained or penned when the owners are working or away.
   What upsets us, however, are the dogs who are penned or chained for hours on end and are, basically, neglected. They are not brought into the home for much-needed human contact and affection.
   Often, water bowls are not refilled, particularly during the winter when the water freezes. There are doghouses seriously in need of repair or insulation, such as hay, to keep the animal warm and sheltered from bad weather.
   Ms. Hostettler says there are at least 100 communities or counties in at least 35 states with limits on chaining.
   We agree with her that our state and our municipalities need to be a part of this growing movement.
   She also points out this can be a safety issue. Dogs who are not used to humans can attack adults and children who come too close to their territory.
   We’re not saying dogs should be allowed to run loose all of the time. They do need to be secluded from strangers, when necessary, because they will defend their owners and their territory.
   Case in point: Congo, the Princeton Township German shepherd who we believe was only defending his family when one of his owners accidentally was knocked down by visiting gardeners.
   Congo was sentenced to death with the only other option being classified as a vicious dog, which carried stiff financial penalties, including the renewal of his license.
   He’s still alive and at home and may be spared by “Congo’s law,” introduced by Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D- Union) that, if passed, would include the definition of provocation from the dog’s point of view instead of the human’s and would raise the standard to “beyond a reasonable doubt” when it comes to finding any dog vicious.
   That’s a different situation.
   But a dog could be dangerous if it is not given the kind of love and attention it deserves as a member of the family.
   Ask your municipal and state officials to consider a law limiting the chaining of dogs.
   Model legislation and a letter to send to state representatives can be found at www.dogsdeservebetter.com.