This article accompanied the video . . . Chaining or tethering - TopicsExpress

This article accompanied the video . . . Chaining or tethering a dog outside on an ongoing basis can do serious, sometimes permanent harm. The Humane Society of the United States says: Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive. In addition to psychological effects, tethered dogs often suffer physical damage. Collars dig into their flesh and chains become wrapped around objects, sometimes choking the poor animal. Unable to run or adequately defend themselves while tethered, chained dogs can become victims themselves. Thieves can steal them with little trouble. Other animals and even cruel humans can harass and attack them. In so many ways, life at the end of a chain is no picnic. It can be bleak and heartbreaking — as much for a family that loves the dog as for the dog itself. Read more: care2/causes/meet-the-volunteer-group-that-gives-sad-chained-dogs-a-happy-ending.html#ixzz3Lh8Td9O4