ABOUT US

UCLx aims to help members of Lexington City to learn about positive alternatives to chaining or tethering dogs. We are working closely with animal control officers and community leaders tro implement a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life for Lexington's chained dogs by: educating the public on the isolation a chain creates and the social needs of domestic dogs; making behavioral training resources available; advocating for stronger local ordinances that address chaining in effective and enforcable ways; and helping people create viable humane alternatives to chaining. 

 

Many towns across the United States have learned the hard way that not only is persistent tethering an animal welfare issue, but a public safety hazard. 

 

 

Chaining dogs, or tethering dogs, while unfortunately legal in our area, is one of the most cruel punishments for a dog. Dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago by humans seeking companionship. Because of this domestication, dogs have evolved into social animals who deserve and need companioship, exercise, and mental stimulation. Chained dogs are left vulnerable to other animals and cruelty, many chained dogs having been stolen, set on fire, shot, stabbed, tortured, poisoned, or choked. They may be mated with by loosely roaming unfixed animals or victims of natural disaster, being constantly exposed to the elements.