Sadly, in many communities, it is not illegal to continuously chain or tether a dog. But in some communities there are limits and standards for chaining dogs. Be sure to find out what your local city or county ordinances require. (You can search for local ordinances at the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington State website).

Many dogs who are chained continuously, do suffer from neglect, which is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic requirements of food, water, shelter, attention and veterinary care. But even if a chained dog is not neglected by the legal definition, almost all dogs who are chained suffer in some way. Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with people and other animals. When a dog is kept tethered or chained outside for hours, days, months, or even years, she/he can suffer from serious psychological damage. Chained animals, particularly dogs, become neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and often aggressive.

If you are concerned about a chained dog in your community, report the situation to your local animal control authority. See a list of Animal Control Phone numbers for Western Washington.

For more information on chaining, specifically for dogs, visit these links: PAWS Dog Behavior Fact Sheets - www.paws.org/cas/resources/fact_sheets_dogs/

Humane Society of the United States Dog Chaining Facts - www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/animal_abuse_and_neglect/
the_facts_about_chaining_or_tethering_dogs.html

PETA's Helping Animals - Backyard Dogs - www.helpinganimals.com/i-chained.html

Dog's Deserve Better - www.dogsdeservebetter.com/home.html