BRATTLEBORO — The Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) is trying to get the word out about the dangers of tying or chaining dogs outside.
WCHS Executive Director Maya Richmond said in a news release that she and other Humane Society employees “have seen some terrible things” befall area canines.
“Some owners tie their dogs outside because the dog may be destructive in the home or this was how their families cared for dogs when they were growing up,” said Richmond. “In many instances people don’t realize their dogs’ lives are at risk. Our staff provides education and resources to help these pet owners so the dog can begin to live inside.”
When a dog is tied to a stationary object for prolonged periods, they suffer physically and mentally.
Chained dogs often have inadequate housing to escape the cold or wind in the winter. Dogs can get frostbite, die of exposure, and suffer from dehydration when water bowls freeze or from malnutrition because they need more food to stay warm and the cold causes them to deplete their fat reserves. During hot summer days, they may have no shade or a way to cool down, and not enough water puts them at risk of overheating.
According to The Humane Society of United States, chaining can lead to psychological problems in dogs because they are social animals. A dog who is tethered too much can become anxious or territorial.
“Being alone, constrained from doing what dogs are meant to do — sniff new smells, run, play with a variety of toys — damages them,” says Richmond.
All dogs need food, water, and shelter, but providing only these things isn’t enough, says Richmond. A happy healthy dog needs love and comfort from living with their human family, their pack.
Richmond advises that people concerned about the welfare of a chained dog should try to determine whether the dog is able to freely move, has adequate food, water, and shelter — all of which are required by state law — and report neglect to their town’s animal control officer. For more information, visit windhamcountyhumane.org.