A STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF A DOG-CHAINING ORDINANCE IN FORSYTH COUNTY

 “Prohibit Tethering as the Primary Method of Confinement of Dogs. The permanent tethering of dogs has been linked to acts of dog aggression and situations of abuse. It is recommend that the code prohibit tethering as the primary permanent method of confinement for dogs. The Advisory Board recommends that, with consideration of this recommendation, the following policy actions should accompany approval.

• Institute a phased 24 month implementation program
• Provide resources to assist dog owners obtain compliance
• Provide exemptions for certain function and circumstances
• Complaint driven enforcement by monetary penalty”

 Summary: The proposed ordinance is a very moderate proposal with exemptions recommended for several special needs such as those of licensed hunters, camping, and other temporary situations. The proposal is much less restrictive than ordinances enacted in 12 other North Carolina communities and in many other states. Nonetheless, this ordinance will move our animal welfare laws more in line with how the vast majority of county residents feel about the cruel 24/7 chaining of dogs.

 Among the likely benefits of a dog-chaining ordinance are:

• This ordinance will greatly improve the quality of life of chained dogs, most of which are chained 24/7 their entire lives; sometimes with enbedded collars, tracheal damage from pulling and other health problems.
• Will help stamp-out illegal dog fighting by ending their use of heavy logging chains for strength building and creating frustration/aggression.
• Large, aggressive dogs are often chained by drug-dealers near front doors/porches to alert them to police presence and to hinder police entry; this would be prohibited.
• It will result in fewer unwanted puppy litters as chained fertile female dogs are generally very accessible to fertile male dogs.
• Some negligent/abusive dog owners will elect not to have dogs in the future because they refuse to exert any effort to comply with new chaining restrictions.
• Children will be less prone to bites/attacks as more dogs will be in secured fenced yards.
• Unchained dogs (e.g., those in fenced yards) will be less prone to attack by other dogs and less likely to be teased and taunted by malicious people.
• County Animal Control Officers should see a drop in complaint/cruelty calls as the majority of these involve chained dogs.
• Neighborhoods will improve: Chained dogs are notorious for constant barking and realtors bemoan having to sell homes next to property with chained dogs.

Click here for more information and to make a donation

Help End the Permanent Tethering of Dogs!

Do You Want To End Dog Chaining In Forsyth County?

The Department of Animal Control received 1,504 responses from citizens who supported a tethering ban and 80 responses from citizens who oppose a tethering ban The exact language for the ordinance that will be presented to the commissioners has to be written by the County attorney.

We all have seen the severe suffering of dogs who are chained their whole life. Chained dogs have frozen to death, and suffered frost bite while others have died from heat exposure. The neglect, isolation and abuse never ends.

You can now be a voice for the voiceless victims of this cruel treatment.  

We must show Forsyth County that many people support these progressive, necessary regulations.

You can go to this link for more information and to view the proposed ordinance.  Please take a few minutes to contact your commissioner. Please be professional and polite in all your responses to this issue, and spread the word to everyone you know who cares about chained dogs.

Please find the time to comment on this issue and contact your commissioner. Don’t think someone else will do it. We all have to do our part if we want this to end. Every voice counts.

We must email, call, and speak in support of this tethering ban!
Areas in NC that currently have tethering ordinances:
Raleigh – Orange Co – Chapel Hill – Durham Co – Cumberland Co – Asheville – Roseville – Clayton – New Hanover – Scotland County – Laurinburg – Roanoke Rapids

For more information visit
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/
www.dogsdeservebetter.org