It’s an unfathomable concept to most of us that any dog would be left to exist almost exclusively alone outside and on the end of a chain, but this heartbreaking practice continues and affects countless dispirited and emotionally broken dogs in much of the country. This February 7-14 we’re acknowledging Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week in an effort to raise awareness and change hearts and minds about how we should be caring for dogs.

While many dogs are blessed to live as beloved members of their families and enjoy all the perks that come with us seeing them that way, countless others are isolated and kept outdoors at the end of chains and tethers. Not only is doing this incredibly harmful to their emotional well-being on its own, but many of these dogs are also left without regular access to food and water, shelter from the elements, or veterinary care.

This beagle was standing on a board to avoid the wet ground in December of 2021, when Doll Stanley informed the negligent guardian that he must build a kennel for his hunting dogs 

These dogs suffer immensely. They’re denied opportunities to socialize and exercise, and some may spend their entire lives this way. Leaving them this way also puts them at risk of being attacked, or becoming injured or killed if they become entangled, and poses a serious risk to public safety by increasing the likelihood that a dog will bite someone. 

While some cities and towns scattered across the country have addressed this by banning or restricting tethering — it’s estimated that so far only 23 states have any laws that restrict or ban tethering — so there's still a long way to go.

This pit mix photo was taken in December of 2022, when Doll Stanley delivered dog houses to poverty stricken families.

Our Justice for Animals campaign regularly deals with pleas for chained dogs who need help. That’s why we launched our Break the Chains campaign in 2020 to help bring an end to this practice and have worked tirelessly aiding in seizures and rescues of dogs in need and seeking justice for those who have suffered and died.

Exploring the reasoning of people who chain their dogs aids in ending this cruel practice. However, the fact is that economics, apathy, and tolerance that contribute to the chaining of dogs may only truly be countered by widespread educational programs inviting individuals to experience the pleasures of companionship with dogs and spay and neuter programs.

Until we elevate the status of and engrain respect for other species, we will not overcome the callously cruel treatment of dogs and other species. 

You can help chained dogs by downloading and distributing our A Day in the Life of a Chained Dog flier and finding more ways to get involved at our Break the Chains campaign.

Donations to support our work on this issue are always needed and appreciated.