Phoenix has become the latest city to ban cruel chaining of dogs!
The city, following input from animal welfare organizations and city departments, has updated its local ordinance to prohibit people from using a chain to tether their dogs.
In another positive development, the revised ordinance also revamped its definition of “adequate shelter” so that animals must have a shelter that is structurally sound, in good repair, provides protection from extreme weather, and is large enough to let them enter, stand, turn around, and lie down.
People who violate the ordinance can be fined.
While Phoenix’s ordinance still allows dogs to be tethered by ropes or cables, getting rid of chains is a compassionate step forward! Lady Freethinker’s Unchain a Dog campaign has educated hundreds of people that dogs are sensitive and social beings who feel love, stress, and loneliness; they don’t belong at the end of a chain.
Dogs who are chained are often deprived of basic necessities like water, food, and shelter, and suffer from boredom and isolation.
We applaud the city of Phoenix for taking this meaningful action for dogs! If you haven’t already, please feel free to share our chained dog resources and sign our pledge that you will never chain a dog!
