Dogs in Need

The sad case of chained out dogs

A chained dog can only watch as life goes by. You’ve seen these sad creatures relegated to the backyard at the end of a chain or in a pen, forgotten, neglected; ignored by their humans. They suffer freezing cold, blistering heat, thirst, loneliness. Researchers are also confirming the link between animal abuse or neglect and the neglect of children who grow up with the same pattern of behavior. These sad dogs may bark. They have nothing else to do. They are also more likely to bite in defending their small territory than a cared for house pet.

Dogs are pack animals. We humans have become their pack. When they are isolated from us, they suffer both mentally and physically. Such dogs have even been found with collars or chains embedded in their necks!

Rescuers have heard a whole list of excuses from the owners of such dogs. “He wants to stay outside”: “She’s happy out there”. “He’s just not an indoor dog—he’s too big; he’s not trained” “We really don’t care much about her” He’s really just a guard dog” (not realizing the only thing that dog is guarding is it’s little space, not the house or property).

A dog is not born an outside dog. No dog chooses to be left outside alone. Dogs left to roam free get into all kinds of trouble and may not live long.

IF YOU ARE THE OWNER of an outside dog WE CAN HELP with training, socialization, even with a crate for inside the house or a dog house and straw outdoors. If you don’t really want the dog we will try to find it another home. If the dog is sick or injured we’ll also try to help.

If you know of an outside dog that does not have adequate shelter, fresh water, a clean place to lie down please report it to the SPCA cruelty investigators. They will explain to the owners that they are breaking the law in New York State. They are often given a warning first so keep watch.

The NYS law states that an outdoor dog must have a dog house that has a floor, is big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in, and that keeps out rain, snow, and wind. The dog house and the area around it must be kept clean. There must be fresh unfrozen water. Of course it is always best to try to convince people to take their dog inside with the family.

ANIMAL CRUELTY SEE IT? HEAR ABOUT IT? REPORT IT!

You can help by never turning your back on a dog or cat that is suffering. Cruelty and neglect of any kind needs to be reported to the SPCA cruelty investigators. Your report will be confidential. If you cannot reach them just call the police or sheriff. DO YOU RECOGNIZE WHAT IS CONSIDERED ANIMAL CRUELTY ?

Here are some signs and symptoms:

extremely thin starving animals (this can include farm animals too)
limping
wounds on the body
animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners
dogs who are kept outside without shelter (legally it must be insulated, clean, and water proof) In summer there must be shade. Fresh water must be available
someone striking or otherwise abusing an animal
tick or flea infestations (such a condition if not treated by a vet can lead to the animal’s death)
patches of missing hair
dogs left in a car, even with a window cracked, in warm weather
dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up out in a yard (a bill has been introduced into the NY State Assembly that would limit the time a dog can be tied out and mandate the conditions of tethering)
animals who have been hit by cars or need emergency medical care

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right. Especially if the well being of a person or an animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way” - unknown

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

You can help these dogs by donating a crate, a dog house, straw, bowls, collars, leashes, fencing, I.D. tags, and food. You can also volunteer your time to walk a dog; transport a dog or cat to a vet; help trap feral cats; do phone or email follow-up. Many thanks!