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The meaning of chaining or tethering a dog refers to the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary fence, pole, usually in a owner's backyard as a means of keeping an animal under control. This statement does not refer to the times when you are walking a dog on a leash.

The problem is the practice is both inhumane and threatening to the safety of the confined dog, with other animals and humans.

Reasons Chaining or tethering dogs is inhumane, our dogs are social beings the same us humans and thrive on interaction with other human beings and other animals. When a dog is kept chained in one position, for days, hours, months, years, an animals will suffer immense psychological damage. The otherwise friendly dog and docile, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic and aggressive. The necks of dogs that are chained become covered with sores, as a result of improperly fitted collars can not escape confinement. Dogs have even been found with collars disgracefully embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the wrong end of a chain. Veterinarians have been known to euthanasia a dog whose collar, an electrical cord, was so embedded in the animal's neck, it was difficult to see the plug.

The chaining and tethering of dogs poses a danger to humans, when dogs are chained for a long period of time, they can become highly aggressive, their natural instinct is to protect their territory; when confronted it is their instinct to fight or flight. The chained dog, unable to take flight will feel forced to fight, and will attack any unfamiliar animal that wanders into his or her property. There are many attacks on people by dogs chained or tethered have been documented. Unfortunately, the victims of these such attacks are often children who are unfortunately completely unaware of chained dog's presence until it is too late. Resulting in attacks when a tethered or chained dog finally gets loose from his or her chains may remain violently aggressive, and is likely to chase and attack the unfortunate passer by or child and pets.

Tethering is dangerous to dog including the psychological damage brought about by continuous chaining dogs forced to live on a chain make easy targets for other animals and insects. An animal that is chained will more than likely suffer harassment and teasing from insensitive humans, stinging bites from insects and the worse case is theft by thieves looking to steal animals for sale or research. A dog that is tethered or chained can become tangled with other objects and choked to death. A very unpleasant way to die, extremely inhumane.

As humans that take on the responsibility of an animal, we have to be prepare to care for it the way we do our children. Taking responsibility for our children is a privilege not a right the same as an animal that is your pet. An animal should never be chained.

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