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Neglected, Chained Dogs Need Help From Animal Cruelty
Free a neglected chained dog in your neighborhood
and take a stand against animal cruelty.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 2, 2006 -- Chaining or tethering an outside
dog for extended periods of time is one of the most common forms of
animal cruelty, but when you help a neglected, chained dog (http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/animal-cruelty.htm),
you take a stand against animal cruelty. You also speak up for the
rights of an animal who can't speak for himself.
Many chained dogs are doomed to live their entire lives alone in the
same, small area around their chains. Weeks, months and years go by
-- usually without adequate food, water, shelter or care.
Dogs are pack animals and thus highly sociable creatures, so it
would be difficult to invent a crueler form of canine punishment.
They crave nothing more than the attention and love of their family,
so when they are denied this again and again, they become not only
lonely, but often aggressive. Sadly, the victims of attacks by
chained dogs (http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/animal-cruelty.htm)
are often neighborhood children or other animals including cats and
wildlife.
Chaining and tethering dogs can be physically dangerous for the dogs
themselves. An ill-fitting collar can injure the dog's neck and
throat; there have even been cases of dogs whose collars became
embedded in their necks after years of being chained. Dogs chained
near a fence can hang themselves if they try to jump over the fence
in desperation. Health problems are frequent in chained dogs as a
result of extreme weather, insects, and attacks from other animals.
Chained dogs are often the victims of harassment and sometimes even
theft or abuse by strangers without a means to defend themselves
against attack.
Chaining a dog outside for extended periods of time has been
declared inhumane by many humane organizations, and also by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Many communities have passed anti-cruelty
laws that restrict or eliminate the practice, but countless
neglected, chained dogs still have no voice.
If there is a dog in your neighborhood who is frequently chained and
seems neglected, find a safe way to help. Just one dog freed from
this life of despair is a victory in the battle against animal
cruelty everywhere.
- If you have a dog, don't chain him up! Learn other ways to keep
your dog company while outside.
- Contact your local animal care and control organization if you see
a dog in your neighborhood who is frequently chained outside or who
looks to be deprived of adequate food, water, shelter or veterinary
care. Animal care officials will know the animal cruelty laws in
your area, but even if no laws are being broken, they can often
intervene and help dogs in other ways. Once you've reported the
situation, don't be afraid to follow up; you may well be the dog's
last hope.
- If you're still concerned about an outside or neglected dog, talk
to the dog’s owner. If you cannot remove the dog from the situation
completely, you may be able to help him in other ways, such as by
helping his owner install a fence, eliminating the need for a chain,
or by obtaining permission to take him for a walk once a day.
- Volunteer to educate people about dog chaining or become a leader
in the effort to get dogs off chains in your area.
- If you've been thinking of adopting a dog, consider adopting a
rescued chained dog. It will require some extra work and patience,.
but the reward — turning a life of misery into a life of joy and
love — will probably be one of the most gratifying experiences of
your life.
To do even more, visit CharityGuide.org for more volunteer
opportunities (http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteenminutes.htm)
related to animal protection (http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/animal-protection.htm).
Charity Guide (http://www.charityguide.org/) is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to promoting flexible volunteerism, by
inspiring and facilitating acts of kindness. For more information
about Charity Guide and opportunities to make a difference, please
visit our Web site at www.charityguide.org or contact us at
Questions @ CharityGuide.org.
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