PETA supports SB 373
Senate Bill 373, which would establish statewide restrictions on dog chaining, would not only give law enforcement authorities another tool to protect dogs from neglect and abuse, it would also help protect people from being attacked by dogs driven mad by intensive confinement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that chained dogs are nearly three times more likely to attack than dogs who are not kept chained. According to another study, more than a fourth of fatal dog attacks are by dogs on chains.
Dogs relegated to a chain or kennel 24 hours a day are often deprived of even the most basic care. Growing puppies are often found with too-small collars embedded in their necks because their owners never bothered to adjust them. Chained dogs terrified by fireworks or thunderstorms sometimes hang themselves trying to jump over fences or other objects. Tethered dogs are routinely denied adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care, and consequently suffer and die from injuries and diseases that could easily be prevented and treated.
Adopting SB 373 would make Pennsylvania safer for everyone. Nearly 20 states and more than 200 jurisdictions around the country have restricted or banned chaining, and officials have reported that chaining legislation improves dogs’ lives and makes neighborhoods safer.
Ashley Rhodes
Norfolk, Va.
for PETA.