By: Alisa Mullins
On July Fourth, Americans from sea to shining sea will commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence more than 200 years ago. As we celebrate the colonists' determination to be free from British rule by setting off fireworks and hosting backyard barbecues, how many of us will notice that some Americans remain in bondage—sometimes just a few feet from the grill?
From Chesapeake Bay retrievers to Boston terriers to Alaskan malamutes, millions of canines in these United States live their entire lives—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year—in chains. They get food when their owners remember to dump it in their bowls. They get a drink whenever they manage to avoid tipping over their water dishes. James Madison was in the White House the last time they got a walk. Entertainment options? Counting the flies circling their heads, gnawing on their chains, watching their families flip burgers and twirl sparklers on the deck.
Unfortunately, the land of the free is still the home of the chain for many of "man's best friends." It's not that way in other countries. Germany forbids keeping dogs chained for more than 14 hours a day and requires that confined dogs be given two hours of exercise. Across the pond, even those dastardly red coats rarely resort to a rope to confine Rover. Closer to home, the state of California recently passed a law that prohibits chaining dogs to stationary objects for more than three hours a day. More than 80 jurisdictions around the country, including Little Rock, Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; and Austin, Texas, have passed laws banning or restricting chaining.
Unfortunately, these laws are needed because some people still cling to the idea that a dog is no more worthy of respect than King George's tea tax. They toss dogs in the back yard and never give them a second thought. But dogs aren’t lawn ornaments. They crave scratches behind the ears, games of fetch, and kicking back with the kids to watch Lassie reruns.
Dogs, like people, are social animals. They crave contact with humans and other dogs. Being stuck outside alone is like being a prisoner of war—only they are not our enemies, there is no war, and they are never going to be set free. That is, unless those of us who think chaining a dog is an act of betrayal worthy of Benedict Arnold step up and do something about it.
Here's a revolutionary idea: If you know of a backyard dog, why not do what you can to make his or her life a little better? Here are just a few of the ways you can improve an "outside dog's" life:
o Let owners of backyard dogs know that dogs need food, water, shelter, exercise, and regular trips to the veterinarian. (PETA has free informational leaflets that can be downloaded at HelpingAnimals.com.)
o Offer to walk "forgotten" dogs.
o Provide a doghouse and bedding if the dog doesn't have them.
o Offer to build or repair a fence so the dog can be released from a rope or chain. If that isn't feasible, provide the dog with running line so he or she can exercise more freely.
o Stop by for visits and bring treats and toys. This can mean the world to a dog whose last little bit of excitement was a flea bite.
o Call the humane society or animal control to report neglect. If possible, take pictures and write down dates and times when the dog goes without food, water, or shelter. "Complain" about barking. Barking dogs are often lonely, neglected dogs. A common translation of "Arf, arf, arf" is, "Excuse me, but do you think I could join the party up there on the deck?" or "Hey, fireworks really scare me—can I come inside and hide under the bed for a while?"
When reflecting on slavery, Thomas Jefferson once said, "Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just ..." He wasn't talking about imprisoned pooches, but his words apply nevertheless. There is nothing just about chaining up the innocent and the faithful and leaving them to rot.
