BREAK THE CHAINS
We have all heard the stories about a ferocious "resident" dog attacking a kid that came too close. The part of the story that typically goes unreported is how the attack could have been prevented. Many dogs that show significant aggression have been taught the habit through neglect on a chain. Chaining a dog in a yard, especially for extended periods of time, can do mental and physical damage to them and leads to aggression-related behavioral issues.
*Investigations of 2009 and 2010 dog bite fatalities revealed that 75% of the dogs that caused human fatalities were these so-called "resident" dogs living in isolation, often on a chain and with no regular human interaction. The media unfortunately described 88% of these dogs as well-loved "family" pets. While they may have been owned by a family, they had not been treated as such. Simply exposing dogs to positive human interaction on a regular basis, even if behind fencing, is always preferred for the welfare of your dog and the people that may come in contact with him/her – particularly your own family.
Because Animals Matter is working to build Break the Chains, a program designed to support people and their chained animals. This support will come in multiple forms, but primarily through education and the donation of fencing when needed. As the Director of Parents Against Dog Chaining said, "When a dog is unchained and brought into the home and family, it is not just a day of rejoicing for the dog, but also for the [family] whose lives might have been forever altered by that dog."
*Data taken from Tough Love Pit Bull Rescue
Shiloh became a BAM dog after he had been left on his chain so long it had embedded itself into his skin.
Many dogs like Shiloh not only endure physical pain, but they also don't get the human interaction or shelter they need for their mental health.
Photo by Dogs Deserve Better
Sophie was another dog BAM took into foster care after she was found by neighbors to be living outside with two collars and a cable on. She was thought to be 10 years old when she joined the BAM family and had little to no manners or socialization. While good with some people, Sophie remains a prime example of how stunted a dog's knowledge and tolerance of the world can be when they are not given the opportunity to live like the social creatures they are. Lucky for us and Sophie, she is not aggressive towards people so she was able to get a new life out of her sh.
