"If we can't have the dogs chained to the tree, what's the point of having them?"

good law....no lawn ornament dogs.
Molly won't stay on her run...she insists we go out with her [8|]
if I'm doing yard work then she's on there but she won't have being outside alone..

I hope that this idea spreads, this should be the law everywhere.  I cant believe what that guy said...  people never cease to amaze..

I don't want to start an argument... but I just want to say that just because someone has a dog that is kept chained/tied outside all the time doesn't mean they don't love or care for the animal or that the animal is being mistreated.
I personally wouldn't leave my dogs tied out all day, but there is a difference in people doing it out of necessity but still loving, caring for and spending quality time with their dog and those who do it out of convenience and abuse the convenience of it.
I grew up with dogs not being allowed inside, being chained outside all the time and my parents dog still is chained out all the time. That doesn't mean they were/are neglected or mistreated. That just means that's the way they were raised and that's the way things are... my grandparents nor my parents think dogs should be inside and don't have a fenced yard, but still love and care for their dogs.
My parents dog is taken for walks several times a day and is very well cared for, but my parents just don't accept the idea of the dog being inside.
Like I said, I don't want to start an argument. My dogs aren't chained or tied out. And there is a difference in family pets being tied out out of necessity and those abusing the convenience of it.
I hope innocent, caring dog lovers don't get punished with this new law.. it's a shame that the horrible, neglectful people make is so much harder on those who do the right thing. Because of those who don't deserve to own a dog, the rest of us will eventually be punished.

mehpenn, just because dogs can't live inside, doesn't mean they should be chained to a tree.  This is archaic, and it causes quite a few dogs to die, or to develop bad behavioral issues.  The fact that yours didn't have that happen is a testament to the fact that, despite the fact that they were chained, your folks probably did other things to enrich their environment.  But, the sad fact is that many dogs choke to death, are tormented by nasty children, get inadequate socialization, or can't reach shade or water.  That's what these laws are designed to prevent.  IMO, it's much safer to leave an outdoor dog in a safe barn or in a 6' high kennel, rather than at the mercy of thieves, unleashed dogs, coyotes, etc. chained to a tree.

I don't want to argue... but why if a dog is "chained to a tree" does that mean it's not being cared for, neglected or mistreated?
I understand and agree that lots of people take advantage of the convenience of that type of situation... but not everyone. I know several people who have dogs that are chained or tied out 24/7 that are happy/helathy animals... and I know people who keep dogs inside 24/7 to live in filth and those dogs are unhappy and unhealthy, but it just assumed that those people are better dog owners because their dogs are kept inside. IMO, I don't think locking a dog in a barn, away from everything and everyone in the outside world  is a good place for it to be... dogs need to be able to see what's going on and locking it in a barn or away in  a lot isn't any better than chaining it out. Or maybe I'm just not understanding? To me it would be the same situation.. with the same opportunity for neglect and mistreatment.
ANd what's the differnec in chaining a dog to a "tree" and chaining a dog to the porch,or a turn out post or attaching the dog to a runner (which could be between two trees)? At least if the dog is chained to a tree you know it's secure and will get plenty of shade.
I think it's important that we look at individual situations and take the appropriate actions based on individual situations as opposed to saying "it's against the law to chain out your dog, period." That's unfair to all those who keep their dogs chained or tied outside and take good care of them. IMO, as long as the dog has shelter, food, water and socialization, no matter where it resides, that's what's important. It's unfair to say "They keep their dogs chained outside all the time, how horrible!" When we don't witness the care or treatment of the dog.

ORIGINAL: mehpenn

It's unfair to say "They keep their dogs chained outside all the time, how horrible!" When we don't witness the care or treatment of the dog.

 
If a dog has to live outdoors, then a yard or small pen is much better than constantly being attached to a chain or cord. The biggest reason is that a dog on a chain has no protection from (or way to get away from) other animals, teasing kids, etc. It is basically a "sitting duck" which is why I'd imagine a lot of dogs get aggressive on chains/tie outs- they know that they can't get away if they need to.

I really don't want to argue about this... but really it is unfair to judge each situation as the same when they're not.  The condition of a dog on a chain and a house pet  is based totally on the care they recieve, the treatment they recieve and the conditions to which they are exposed. As long as the dog has food, water, shelter, is socialized and given ample attention then there is no reason for anyone to complain or judge that the dog isn't being cared for or taken care of just because it happens to be chained up or tied out.

I guess it depends on the person and stuff.  But I am very against leaving a dog outdoors in the hot/cold weather and worst of all CHAINED on a tree!!?!  Is it because they think that they don't belong in the house Or simply don't want the dog to make a mess inside the house like pooping, muddy prints, shredding things and etc. [>:]  I would often think that if I didn't like it, why would the dog?  I don't know about you but I wish they would punish all those who would leave their dog tied up outdoors bored out of their minds, crying for attention, barely get to play and just living in a parking lot, etc all day long, day and night.  [:'(]  Ok this is only for those who don't care about their dogs.......that is!

I think I have to agree with you mehpenn. I am always the person that says EVERYTHING should be judged on a individual basis. BUT. I do think the law will do more good than bad. I think that officials can and will tell the difference between a dog chained up and neglected and a dog that is a well cared for out door dog.
 
IMO, I would not tie my dogs out. I don't even leave them out for long periods. They go out and come in when they want, unless I am going out and then they are in. But, thats because 2 of them can get out of the yard (and we have yet to find a way that works to block their passage, and trust me we have tried). Also, as this I am in Texas, its much too hot for them.
 
Overall, I am happy about the law. I think it save alot of doggie lives.

I think the law will put lots of innocent, well meaning animal lovers in a tough situation. What a shame that the innocent must suffer and be punished because of the bad ones.

I just helped out with surgery on a dog whos neck is ALL messed up and needed tubes and stuff... it was chained on this ladys porch and another dog came and attacked him.  They have no defense.  I dont disagree that some of them are much loved and taken care of, its just not the best thing for the dog and not the best quality of life IMO... aside from the danger.... dogs and humans alike can bother a chained helpless dog.

And all agruments aside - whats so bad about having a chained dog be forced to live inside?

ORIGINAL: loveukaykay

And all agruments aside - whats so bad about having a chained dog be forced to live inside?

I'm sorry.. I don't understand?

ORIGINAL: mehpenn

I think the law will put lots of innocent, well meaning animal lovers in a tough situation. What a shame that the innocent must suffer and be punished because of the bad ones.

I think saying "lots" is a major overstatement. Those type of responsible owners, who are able to maintain a good quality of life for the dog, are the exception rather than the norm.

ORIGINAL: loveukaykay

I just helped out with surgery on a dog whos neck is ALL messed up and needed tubes and stuff... it was chained on this ladys porch and another dog came and attacked him.  They have no defense.  I dont disagree that some of them are much loved and taken care of, its just not the best thing for the dog and not the best quality of life IMO... aside from the danger.... dogs and humans alike can bother a chained helpless dog.

I worked at an animal hostpitla where we treated a dog that had been attacked and nearly killed... a house dog that had been attacked and nearly killed by another house dog from the same home. The same could be said for this situation, no way to escape, no defense.
To me, as long as the dog is cared for, provided for and treated humanely it shouldn't matter weather it's chained to a tree or living in a high rise suite in Beverly Hills. And no matter who you are, you can't tell me that all dogs who live their lives chained outside are neglected and mistreated. That's a ridiculous claim to make.