On a mission to unchain man's best friend
in Lexington, VA
UCLx
Quotes and Position Statements:
APHIS
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
APHIS 1997a
"Constant tethering of dogs in lieu of a primary enclosure is not a humane practice, and the Animal Welfare Act prohibited its use in 1997 for all regulated entities."
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
From the Federal Register Vol. 1, No. 68 (July 2, 1996):
"Out experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts the dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricing the dog's movement and potentially causing injury."
AVMA
American Veterinary Medical Association
From press releases dated May 17, 2002 and May 5, 2003 for National Dog Bite Prevention Week:
"Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior."
HSUS
Humane Society of the United States
From The Chaining and Tethering of Dogs fact sheet:
"The practice [of chaining or tethering dogs] is both inhumane and a threat to the safety of the confined dog, other animals, and humans."
ASPCA
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
From the web artcile Phresh Air Phydeaux:
"A dog who's kept outside experiences social isolation. He may engage in excessive barking and howling
in an attempt to reunite with his pack."
AHA
American Humane Association
(*The mission of AHA is to "prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.")
"Tethering or chaining dogs makes them feel vulnerable and increases their aggression."