Tethering should be banned
Dear Editor:
The German shepherd in Middleborough who chewed off part of his paw after reportedly being tethered for at least a day and becoming entangled is a reminder of the cruelty and danger of tethering and why it should be banned altogether.
Entanglement and neglect are just two of the many risks that chained dogs face. They are also exposed to weather extremes, parasites, heartworms, mange, and other maladies, and, when they hang themselves on fences, strangulation. They are shot, stabbed, poisoned, and set on fire by cruel humans who also steal them for “bait” in dogfighting rings and to sell to laboratories. Chained dogs often go without food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and exercise.
Massachusetts should ban unattended tethering altogether or strengthen the existing law that limits tethering to 24 consecutive hours.
Dogs are pack animals—they need and deserve love, companionship, and a safe place to sleep. Please, keep your dog indoors and contact authorities right away if you see a chained dog in trouble. You can also urge elected officials to have chaining banned in your community.
For more information, visit www.PETA.org.
Craig Shapiro
PETA Foundation