Dogs belong in the home
Prominently featured in the Aug. 14 edition of The Almanac was a story and commentary about a dog which is an alleged repeat offender in attacking other animals. It was noted that in at least one of the attacks, the aggressor had a long chain attached to its body from which it had apparently broken free.
The law requires, of course, that dog guardians have control of their animals at all times. The dog in this case was apparently left chained outside, something which no responsible breeder or veterinarian would endorse.
Dogs are domestic animals which belong in the home with their families and which deserve meaningful exercise on a regular basis. To leave them outside for an extended period of time is unfair to the animal and to neighbors that can expect to be disturbed by the dog’s aggression and by barking. A chained dog or one that is within an area of “invisible fence” is one which is not receiving the attention or exercise that it deserves. Companies that promote the “invisible fence” as a good thing for the dog and the guardian surely know that this is nonsense; it is an excuse for those that do not wish to provide the care that is needed. I have been surprised to note the number of families in my neighborhood that do not have consideration for their pets or their neighbors, apparently believing that a dog is a lawn ornament.
If a dog got out of an outdoor enclosure and engaged in multiple attacks, that is the fault and responsibility of the guardian. If one is planning to leave a dog chained or confined to the front or back yard for a significant period of time, having a pet should be reconsidered.
Oren Spiegler
Upper St. Clair