Maleah Stringer: Anti-slaughter bill pending

Federal Animal Protection Legislation.

 

Well, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption abroad. It is H.R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. The vote was 263-146.

Now the Senate has to pass the same bill. So, everyone call, write or e-mail your U.S. senators and ask them to support the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

I have done numerous columns in the past citing the plight of dogs who are tethered (chained) 24/7. It is my contention that if someone plans to get a dog, chain it outside 24/7 then they should not have that dog. What’s the point of having the dog under these conditions? The dog is denied companionship and love, not to mention that living on the end of a chain is no life for any living creature. Not only does the dog suffer, the owners do not get the many benefits of a relationship with that dog.

Dogs are social animals and to chain them away from interaction with other animals or humans is inhumane. Chaining a dog 24/7 for months or years at a time can cause physical deterioration, mental instability and can often make even docile dogs aggressive. Also, dogs who are chained are at the mercy of other animals and humans.

Many (at least 25) communities across the country are passing laws that regulate chaining dogs. Communities that prohibit the continuous chaining of dogs are: Connecticut; Los Angeles; Savannah, Ga.; and New Hanover County, N.C. Other communities only allow chaining under certain conditions. Dogs in Jefferson County, Ky. cannot be chained more than eight hours in a 24-hour period.

Dogs who are living at the end of a chain should have adequate shelter that they can get in and out of freely, access to fresh food and water, ability to move and lie down comfortably and an adequate exercise area. These dogs should not be chained and left during natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards. To do so is animal cruelty; chained they have very little chance of survival.

I would imagine that many people will scream at the top of their lungs that to deny them the right to chain their dogs (pets are considered property) 24/7 is to deny them their civil rights. I’m sorry, but I do not believe that humans have the right to chain an animal year in, year out. If you have to chain a dog 24/7 you do not need said dog. It is wrong to ask an animal who is built for movement and who is a social creature to live on the end of a chain alone.

If you see animals who are chained and suffering you might offer insights to the owner why this is not a good idea. If you aren’t comfortable approaching these people, call your local city animal shelter. If you do not get satisfaction from them, call the police or sheriff’s department.

If you are interested in setting up a tethering ordinance, contact your city council or state legislators.

Information courtesy of the Doris Day Animal League.

News from the Madison County Humane Society:

The Madison County Humane Society invites you to its first charity benefit auction at Edgewood Country Club in Anderson at 6 p.m. Oct. 14. We will have a wonderful meal and a night of music and fun at our auction. Proceeds go to support the dogs and cats at our adoption facility.

Bret Busby from WHBU will be our auctioneer and Lora Armstrong from WERK will be emcee. Many wonderful items have been donated from area businesses and individuals. We have two different weekly condos in sunny Florida, diamond jewelry, a watch, overnight hotel stays, spa packages, artwork, wine packages, discovery air flights, golf games, automobile items, movie and show tickets, restaurant gift certificates, pet grooming and supplies, and many other gift certificates and items. Cost is $30 for one ticket, $50 for two tickets, cash bar. Please respond as soon as possible as seating is limited. Please send your check to Madison County Humane Society, P.O. Box 637, Anderson, IN 46015-0637. Or stop by the Humane Society at 2219 Crystal St. to purchase a ticket. Thank you. We have animals coming in to our facility on a daily basis and our facility is full every day. We are determined to help as many animals as possible.

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