The official word is that Michael Vick is now rehabbed. Officially. And whether you believe it or not, it’s been officially declared “Official,” so it’s apparently accepted far and wide and is not for us to question. He’s even getting Hero Awards (I’m not makin’ this up) and Keys to Cities, as well as Comeback Player of the Year Awards. Further proof that it must be true.
Vick is rehabbed.
Take his word for it, Oprah.
And the dogs? Well, the ones that lived? They’re rehabbed too. Or inching toward rehabbed. Or crawling on their bellies one clawmark at a time toward rehab. Which is mighty impressive, coming from a life of mistrust of humans, chains, pens, and a fight for their very survival. I am in awe of the rescuers who took these dogs on and refused to let them die just because.
I know “You Rock” is overused and therefore lame, so I’ll say a simple Thank You.
But what about the property where these dogs lived, breathed, fought, and died? What about the community that was left with the collective shame and guilt, still figuring out how to clean up the mess of a crime they didn’t commit?
Haven’t we healed enough from our emotional scars to rebuild the remaining piece of this three-pronged puzzle?
The property in Surry County, Virginia that formerly housed Bad Newz Kennels has lain vacant since Vick dumped it in 2007. Seems there were lots of curious onlookers, but no serious buyers.
The 15-acre property was waiting to be healed, and that’s something that doesn’t come without time and love. The property where this occurred was no more guilty of a crime than the community, but it too paid the price of the stigma that has remained in the wake of the violence.
Enter Dogs Deserve Better, an award-winning 9-year old nonprofit organization working to free chained and penned dogs, who has dreamed of a Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs for years. We had started seeking ground to purchase in the Charlottesville, Virginia area when it came to our attention that this particular piece of property was still sitting vacant a mere two hours away.
The opportunity to take something so dark and turn it to light beckoned.
Wouldn’t that be the best tribute to those who died there, who fought there? Wouldn’t the community prefer that someone turned it from Bad Newz to Good Newz instead of bulldozing it and pretending nothing ever happened?
I visited the property to see for myself and felt oddly at home. I thought I would be creeped out by the sheds and the kennels in the acre where the dogs lived and died, but I wasn’t. Instead I felt like the dogs were reaching out to me, saying “Oh, thank God, you’ve finally come.” I wanted to wrap my arms around them and never let them go.
Figuratively speaking, of course—I do know they’re dead.
Just as humans have preserved other spots around the world in the wake of heinous happenings, (think Auschwitz, or battlefields like Gettysburg) these dogs need and deserve to be memorialized. Just as other spots around the world have both honored the memory of the fallen and used the tragedy as a learning tool for future generations, so this spot has similar value—as a source of closure for those in pain, a source of comfort to those who want to reach out, and a source of education for our children who must learn to do better.
Were I one of Vick’s dogs and had a choice between the area where I lived being bulldozed and forgotten or memorialized and rebirthed, I would choose the second option any day of the week.
We’ve been told by members of the local community that we are welcome. They want to feel hope and pride again, they want to feel something positive rather than fighting the negativity that was brought by the Bad Newz Kennels.
Dogs Deserve Better has a dream, a purpose. We dream that one day EVERY dog will live inside as part of his/her family. EVERY dog will be treasured, valued, loved, and nurtured. When we pull a dog off a chain—from a solitary existence of sadness, boredom, fear, cold, heat, hunger, thirst, and pain—we bring light to dark.
When we fight an abuse case or work toward better laws, we bring light to dark.
When we stand firm in the knowledge that chaining or penning a dog for life can no longer be accepted and must end, we bring light to dark.
The Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs will be a place where our dreams can come true. Where we can continue bringing light to dark, creating an environment that safely and lovingly trains dogs to live inside the home with the family.
Where visitors are welcome and can come to memorialize those who were lost and rejoice with those who are found. Where they can play with rescued dogs and be a support system for those working the everyday trenches of animal abuse.
If you believe in this rebirth, believe that dogs do deserve detter, donate to the Center Fund today. We need an additional $490,000 by March 20th to get off the ground, and a grand total of $3 million to make our Center Dream a reality.
Our time grows short.
Support Dogs Deserve Better today. Because they do deserve better, and we ARE giving them better—one dog, one life at a time.
To donate, visit: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html
Mail to: P. O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • Or call: 814.941.7447
Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Awards won by Dogs Deserve Better:
• First place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Voice for Chained Dogs
• First place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Rescue Organization Saving Dogs
• Second Place, 2010 Animal Dog Magazine Animal Organization Website
• Founder and CEO Tamira Ci Thayne, Second place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Individual Saving/Adopting Dogs
• Second place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Animal Welfare Lobbyist
• Third place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Role Model-Philanthropist
• Third place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Animal Advocate for Dogs.
• Dog's Life, "Breaking the Chains that Bind" Article about Dogs Deserve Better in December 2007 Dog's Life Magazine, Honorable Mention HSUS Genesis Awards
• February 2008 • Founder Tamira Thayne,
IDA Guardian of the Month
• September 2007 • ePhilanthropy Award Finalist, 2nd Place People's Choice Award
• December 2006 • Founder Tamira Thayne, 2nd Place, Animal Planet Hero of the Year Award
• 2003, First Place, ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Dog Caretakers who charge animal advocate with trespassing later release dogs to her organization
Cite Desire for Dogs to be a Success Story
June 6, 2010, Altoona, PA — In January 2010, Dogs Deserve Better Founder Tamira Thayne was charged with trespassing for providing food, water, and straw to two underweight chained dogs in Lilly, PA. Thayne lost the case in magisterial court, but the charges were not prosecuted on appeal.
In a twist that is being described as miraculous, dog caretakers Jason and Krystal Cann came to her and Dogs Deserve Better in June with the willingness to release the dogs to her organization. On June 6, 2010, everyone got their miracle.
Says Thayne: "I have renewed faith in miracles today! When Jason called me and expressed a desire to relinquish ownership of the dogs to DDB, I admit I was suspicious there was some kind of trick. But both he and wife Krystal desired a better life for the dogs, and they wanted their dogs to be a Dogs Deserve Better success story.
"I commend them for their courage in doing the right thing. That's a first for me, and I'm happy to say that tonight these two dogs have gotten their miracle. They will spend tonight sleeping in the home and will now learn how to live inside as part of the family."
Video of the rescue can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzyIjIY4m8.
Dogs Deserve Better is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, and asks all Pennsylvania residents to stand against this form of abuse by joining the coalition to Unchain Pennsylvania Dogs. The coalition seeks to pass a bill setting time limits on chaining, and creating better conditions for Pennsylvania's dogs. Sign up today at Unchainpadogs.com.
Please visit the website at DogsDeserveBetter.org to learn more about dog chaining, the reasons it is cruel to dogs and dangerous to humans, and to find a local area representative or other areas that have laws in place.
Contact:
Tamira Ci Thayne • CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Dogs Deserve Better • P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 814.941.7447 • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
June 6, 2010, Altoona, PA — In January 2010, Dogs Deserve Better Founder Tamira Thayne was charged with trespassing for providing food, water, and straw to two underweight chained dogs in Lilly, PA. Thayne lost the case in magisterial court, but the charges were not prosecuted on appeal.
In a twist that is being described as miraculous, dog caretakers Jason and Krystal Cann came to her and Dogs Deserve Better in June with the willingness to release the dogs to her organization. On June 6, 2010, everyone got their miracle.
Says Thayne: "I have renewed faith in miracles today! When Jason called me and expressed a desire to relinquish ownership of the dogs to DDB, I admit I was suspicious there was some kind of trick. But both he and wife Krystal desired a better life for the dogs, and they wanted their dogs to be a Dogs Deserve Better success story.
"I commend them for their courage in doing the right thing. That's a first for me, and I'm happy to say that tonight these two dogs have gotten their miracle. They will spend tonight sleeping in the home and will now learn how to live inside as part of the family."
Video of the rescue can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzyIjIY4m8.
Dogs Deserve Better is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, and asks all Pennsylvania residents to stand against this form of abuse by joining the coalition to Unchain Pennsylvania Dogs. The coalition seeks to pass a bill setting time limits on chaining, and creating better conditions for Pennsylvania's dogs. Sign up today at Unchainpadogs.com.
Please visit the website at DogsDeserveBetter.org to learn more about dog chaining, the reasons it is cruel to dogs and dangerous to humans, and to find a local area representative or other areas that have laws in place.
Contact:
Tamira Ci Thayne • CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Dogs Deserve Better • P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 814.941.7447 • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
Monday, February 08, 2010
Dog advocate charged with trespassing after providing straw to underweight dogs chained in freezing temps
Charges point to immediate need for stronger dog protection laws nationwide
February 6, 2010, Altoona, PA — Dog advocate Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO of Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit working solely on behalf of chained and penned dogs, spent the coldest night of the year sleepless despite being snug and warm in her bed.
The faces of dogs chained out in single-digit temperatures and sub-zero windchills haunted her, and she worried if these dogs would survive the night in their inadequate houses, many of which contained not even the single insulating element that could well save their lives: straw.
Determined to help local dogs, she rose early and, with another DDB volunteer, took straw, food, and water to some of the worse cases.
At 1492 Dulancey Drive in Lilly, Pennsylvania, Thayne spotted two skinny dogs with inadequate shelter, minimal straw, no food, and no water. She knocked on the door, and when no one answered she left a Dogs Deserve Better calendar and stuffed the doghouses with straw to save the dogs from immediate danger of death by freezing. She gave the dogs each a bone, food, and water. They shivered nonstop while they ate in the -11 degree wind chill.
The boxer mix had very short fur, a too-large doghouse with an opening as large as the dog, and every rib and bone in her back stood out starkly as she tried to decide whether to eat or run into her house for what little warmth it offered.
Current Pennsylvania law dictates that dogs must have access to"sustenance, drink, and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry." Thayne knew the law was being broken, so she returned three days later to speak to the caretaker on behalf of the dogs.
Again, no one answered the door. She left a brochure and a note saying the doghouses were not meeting legal requirements, including her phone number in case they wanted help or to release the dogs to rescue.
As she gave the dogs treats and a pat on the head, a woman came out screaming at her to get off the property. She immediately left.
Two days later she received a call from a Pennsylvania State Police officer saying she was being charged with Summary Defiant Trespass. Under Pennsylvania law 18 Pa.C.S.A.§3503(b), a person commits the crime of defiant trespass if he or she comes onto or stays on your property AFTER being told to stay away.
However, Thayne had only been told to leave the property once, which she immediately did. She has not returned. She was informed by the State Trooper that the dog caretaker claimed she had told Thayne to leave twice. Thayne rebutted this statement, but the officer said it was her word against the owner's.
Thayne has a witness—the volunteer from the first day—who will testify in court that: 1. Although Thayne made a good-faith attempt to speak to the caretaker before taking action on behalf of the dogs, no one indeed answered the door, and 2. No one EVER asked them to leave the property on Sunday, January 3, 2010.
Thayne's report to the Cambria County Humane Officer brought no relief of the dogs' suffering. He had the guardians fix one of the doghouse openings, but never charged them with cruelty for inadequate housing, the underweight condition of the dogs, the lack of food and water, or leaving the dogs to freeze in sub-zero wind chills.
Thayne will be in district court on Main Street in Portage, Pennsylvania, at 9:30 a.m. on February 16, 2010 to defend against the bogus charges. She will be bringing photo and video evidence, and well as eye-witness testimony.
Thayne is asking all Pennsylvania residents to stand against this form of abuse by joining the coalition to Unchain Pennsylvania Dogs. The coalition seeks to pass HB1254, a bill setting time limits on chaining, and creating better conditions for Pennsylvania's dogs. Sign up today at Unchainpadogs.com.
Please visit the website at DogsDeserveBetter.org to learn more about dog chaining, the reasons it is cruel to dogs and dangerous to humans, and to find a local area representative.
Contact: Dogs Deserve Better • P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 814.941.7447 • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
The world's most unusual Valentines go to the dogs
The world's most unusual Valentines go to the dogs
15,000 Valentines to be delivered to America's 'Forgotten Dogs'
Tipton, PA, February 7, 2010—15,000 Valentines will be delivered this week to some very unusual recipients: dogs. Dogs of every breed, size, and color may receive one, but all that do have one thing in common—they are America's 'Forgotten Dogs.'
Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the suffering endured by chained and penned dogs, annually sends Valentines and dog treat coupons to canines across the country. The 2010 campaign has reached a milestone: 15,000 Valentines will be mailed between February 7-14 to chained and penned dogs nationwide.
Dogs of every breed, size, shape and color end up outside through no fault of their own. Caretakers claim they are not housetrained, too big for the house, or too dirty to be inside. Yet through it all dogs just want to be with humans, part of our pack, and putting a dog outside for life when he/she becomes a burden is not an acceptable solution.
The mailing includes a Valentine for the dog and a brochure for the dog’s caretakers, explaining why the practice of chaining dogs for life is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home and family or to find better homes for the animals.
“We call these dogs the Forgotten Dogs, because they may technically have a home, but do they really? Left alone in the elements, enduring extreme heat and cold, often withstanding inadequate or no shelter, food, or water, there's no doubt that these dogs suffer, and suffer immensely. Winter is a critical time to reach out directly to the people who chain their dogs, and what better excuse than Valentine’s Day to send these forgotten animals a little love,” says Tamira Thayne, founder and director of the eight-year-old non-profit. “Every winter our rescuers see dogs that have frozen in the snow, suffered frostbite, or otherwise endured horrific living conditions because of the longstanding misperception that it is ok to chain a dog and let it out there for life. It isn't.”
“This is the perfect opportunity for people who pass chained dogs every day but feel powerless to help them to make a difference,” continues Thayne. “People anonymously provide us with the addresses of these dogs, or make us a batch of Valentines, and we do the rest.”
Schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations create the Valentines, expressing love and such unusual sentiments like "Chains Break Hearts" or "I Promise to Spread the Love, Not the Fleas." “Children have a natural affinity for animals and they enjoy making art projects,” says Thayne, an artist herself. "In this way we remind children of proper pet caretaking, and educate guardians as well."
Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, states and cities have started to pass laws against the practice. So far four states have passed limitations on chaining: California, Texas, Connecticut, and Nevada. Hundreds of cities and counties have passed limitations or flat-out bans.
Meanwhile, countless backyard dogs are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night in hole-riddled doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise and attention.
Perpetually chained dogs often become aggressive from their constant confinement, thereby posing a danger to people, especially small children.
For more information about the Valentine’s Day outreach, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html or email info@dogsdeservebetter.org.
For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to www.dogsdeservebetter.org.
END
Contact: Tamira Ci Thayne • founder, Dogs Deserve Better • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
Note: For hi-resolution photos, please visit the site at
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html.
15,000 Valentines to be delivered to America's 'Forgotten Dogs'
Tipton, PA, February 7, 2010—15,000 Valentines will be delivered this week to some very unusual recipients: dogs. Dogs of every breed, size, and color may receive one, but all that do have one thing in common—they are America's 'Forgotten Dogs.'
Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the suffering endured by chained and penned dogs, annually sends Valentines and dog treat coupons to canines across the country. The 2010 campaign has reached a milestone: 15,000 Valentines will be mailed between February 7-14 to chained and penned dogs nationwide.
Dogs of every breed, size, shape and color end up outside through no fault of their own. Caretakers claim they are not housetrained, too big for the house, or too dirty to be inside. Yet through it all dogs just want to be with humans, part of our pack, and putting a dog outside for life when he/she becomes a burden is not an acceptable solution.
The mailing includes a Valentine for the dog and a brochure for the dog’s caretakers, explaining why the practice of chaining dogs for life is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home and family or to find better homes for the animals.
“We call these dogs the Forgotten Dogs, because they may technically have a home, but do they really? Left alone in the elements, enduring extreme heat and cold, often withstanding inadequate or no shelter, food, or water, there's no doubt that these dogs suffer, and suffer immensely. Winter is a critical time to reach out directly to the people who chain their dogs, and what better excuse than Valentine’s Day to send these forgotten animals a little love,” says Tamira Thayne, founder and director of the eight-year-old non-profit. “Every winter our rescuers see dogs that have frozen in the snow, suffered frostbite, or otherwise endured horrific living conditions because of the longstanding misperception that it is ok to chain a dog and let it out there for life. It isn't.”
“This is the perfect opportunity for people who pass chained dogs every day but feel powerless to help them to make a difference,” continues Thayne. “People anonymously provide us with the addresses of these dogs, or make us a batch of Valentines, and we do the rest.”
Schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations create the Valentines, expressing love and such unusual sentiments like "Chains Break Hearts" or "I Promise to Spread the Love, Not the Fleas." “Children have a natural affinity for animals and they enjoy making art projects,” says Thayne, an artist herself. "In this way we remind children of proper pet caretaking, and educate guardians as well."
Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, states and cities have started to pass laws against the practice. So far four states have passed limitations on chaining: California, Texas, Connecticut, and Nevada. Hundreds of cities and counties have passed limitations or flat-out bans.
Meanwhile, countless backyard dogs are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night in hole-riddled doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise and attention.
Perpetually chained dogs often become aggressive from their constant confinement, thereby posing a danger to people, especially small children.
For more information about the Valentine’s Day outreach, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html or email info@dogsdeservebetter.org.
For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to www.dogsdeservebetter.org.
END
Contact: Tamira Ci Thayne • founder, Dogs Deserve Better • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
Note: For hi-resolution photos, please visit the site at
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Vick: Welcome to Pennsylvania! You've Come to the Right Place
Well, it's official. Vick is now an Eagle; he's coming to Pennsylvania.
(I'd like to call it Pennsyltucky, but I get in trouble from the Kentucky folks. I understand, Kentuckians—I wouldn't want Pennsylvania dragging me down either, but doesn't it just have a fun ring to it? You could use it too!)
Come on up, Vick, we've got our welcome mat out for ya'!
While some here in Pennsylvania may be astounded that we care so little about our animals as to put the welcome mat out for Mike Vick, I don't join them in their astoundyism. (Yeah, I know it's not a word, but I like it.)
How could I?
Pennsylvania has been making headlines in the last few years as, amongst other things, the puppymill capitol of the East and the state where abusive puppymillers, backyard breeders, and dog chainers are running rampant, killing and neglecting dogs, and prosecuting activists who videotape the cruelty and then help the animals. The abusers are never even brought to trial.
Anti-chaining legislation in Pennsylvania, now in it's third session, still languishes in committee, whereas in Georgia there are now at least 14 counties with very strong anti-tethering laws in place.
Vick, you got out just in time; seems they were about to stop tolerating you there!
But don't worry, Vick, we're your people! Come on up, the water's warm!
Pennsylvania has chosen abusers over animals every day of the week and twice on Football Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagle Powers that Be decided to bring Vick here despite angry protests and boycotts of their programs and sponsors—having obviously felt bringing him here was well worth any 'temporary discomfort.'
'Temporary discomfort' being blogs such as this, articles by animal advocates and organizations, and protests by groups who manage to round up enough bodies to make somewhat of an impression on media folk.
We are told by 'real' sports columnists to "just go away and be quiet," "your actions won't get you anywhere," and "stop behaving like children" because we have the nerve to boycott, protest, and make facebook groups against the Eagles and their actions in bringing Vick to Pennsylvania.
We are told, in disdain no less, that "our actions just bring down the cause of animal advocacy. If we just wrote a gentle letter and 'used this for the next occasion' that we would be better off. Just let Vick play now, slink off to our corners, and admit defeat. Be good little children, for Christ's sake."
I was once told that the difference between France and America is that in France they fear their people, and in America we fear our government.
It's time America started fearing it's people too! Social movements are not brought to fruition by people staying at home and shutting their mouths. They are created by momentum, unison, and righteous action to overthrow unrighteous behaviors.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be boycotting the Eagles or their ilk long enough and hard enough to take them out. And then columnists who tell us to step back and be good little girls and boys will be eating their words.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be demanding justice for animals that the correct people will be prosecuted, and prosecuted well and hard, for committing crimes against those who depend on us for their very existence.
And someday, and someday soon, enough people will be standing firm around advocates who film cruelty and take actions for animals that the powers that be will find they are no longer the ones in power.
The thought of that day brings a smile to my face.
So people, go for it! Protest! Boycott! Create petitions! And most importantly, create change.
For that day is coming, and soon.
—Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
(I'd like to call it Pennsyltucky, but I get in trouble from the Kentucky folks. I understand, Kentuckians—I wouldn't want Pennsylvania dragging me down either, but doesn't it just have a fun ring to it? You could use it too!)
Come on up, Vick, we've got our welcome mat out for ya'!
While some here in Pennsylvania may be astounded that we care so little about our animals as to put the welcome mat out for Mike Vick, I don't join them in their astoundyism. (Yeah, I know it's not a word, but I like it.)
How could I?
Pennsylvania has been making headlines in the last few years as, amongst other things, the puppymill capitol of the East and the state where abusive puppymillers, backyard breeders, and dog chainers are running rampant, killing and neglecting dogs, and prosecuting activists who videotape the cruelty and then help the animals. The abusers are never even brought to trial.
Anti-chaining legislation in Pennsylvania, now in it's third session, still languishes in committee, whereas in Georgia there are now at least 14 counties with very strong anti-tethering laws in place.
Vick, you got out just in time; seems they were about to stop tolerating you there!
But don't worry, Vick, we're your people! Come on up, the water's warm!
Pennsylvania has chosen abusers over animals every day of the week and twice on Football Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagle Powers that Be decided to bring Vick here despite angry protests and boycotts of their programs and sponsors—having obviously felt bringing him here was well worth any 'temporary discomfort.'
'Temporary discomfort' being blogs such as this, articles by animal advocates and organizations, and protests by groups who manage to round up enough bodies to make somewhat of an impression on media folk.
We are told by 'real' sports columnists to "just go away and be quiet," "your actions won't get you anywhere," and "stop behaving like children" because we have the nerve to boycott, protest, and make facebook groups against the Eagles and their actions in bringing Vick to Pennsylvania.
We are told, in disdain no less, that "our actions just bring down the cause of animal advocacy. If we just wrote a gentle letter and 'used this for the next occasion' that we would be better off. Just let Vick play now, slink off to our corners, and admit defeat. Be good little children, for Christ's sake."
I was once told that the difference between France and America is that in France they fear their people, and in America we fear our government.
It's time America started fearing it's people too! Social movements are not brought to fruition by people staying at home and shutting their mouths. They are created by momentum, unison, and righteous action to overthrow unrighteous behaviors.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be boycotting the Eagles or their ilk long enough and hard enough to take them out. And then columnists who tell us to step back and be good little girls and boys will be eating their words.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be demanding justice for animals that the correct people will be prosecuted, and prosecuted well and hard, for committing crimes against those who depend on us for their very existence.
And someday, and someday soon, enough people will be standing firm around advocates who film cruelty and take actions for animals that the powers that be will find they are no longer the ones in power.
The thought of that day brings a smile to my face.
So people, go for it! Protest! Boycott! Create petitions! And most importantly, create change.
For that day is coming, and soon.
—Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Maria Daines "Chained to You" for Shepp, Proceeds to DDB
Please
Help get Justice for Shepp, a German Shepherd
left to Starve
on the End of a Chain
Maria
Daines, who is becoming known
as the Goddess of Animal Rights Music, has
written an incredibly moving song for Shepp,
and is generously allowing DDB to keep any money raised from downloads. The
song is now up, please listen and download at: www.indiestore.com/dogsdeservebetter or
listen and download it from this widget, below:
Details
of the case since DDB heard of it:
9/22/2008
After being dumped off at an abandoned
home in Corpus Christi, TX, a German Shepherd was found in horrific
conditions last week on 9/16/08. Parts of his bones were exposed
due to constant friction from trying to move. No arrests have been
made.
Laying on the concrete, unable to even get up from his side and
with what appeared to be a wound on his neck was a dog laying under
a carport. Barely within reach was an overturned bucket with some
dry food.
Shepp, a German Shepherd, squirmed in an attempt to move when
the Animal Control people arrived. The dog was unable to budge
but a few inches. His ribs were protruding through the skin due
to him weighing 43 lbs., less than half of what would be considered
a healthy weight. Skin was actually growing over his collar and
there were wounds all over his body. The skin and the muscle had
worn through due to the friction of him struggling on the cement,
with approximately one inch of shoulder bone exposed. It is being
labeled as the worst case of animal neglect that local officials
have ever seen.
A neighbour told reporters that
a man in a tan coloured Ford Ranger pickup dropped the dog off
about a month ago at a vacant home. She said in the news report
that she knew the dog was indeed thin but didn't know to what extend
until this past Monday when it had apparently gotten loose from
whatever means the individual had used to tie it up.
The pickup was found at another residence in Corpus Christi. The
owner of the residence claimed to know who owned the pickup but
couldn't remember his name despite it being her brother-in-law.
She said he found the dog, according to the KZTV news report.
Sadly, Animal Control director,
Kelli Copeland explained how this case and so many other animal
abuse cases fall short of proper investigation and prosecution
due to limited resources. When there is a child abuse case versus
and animal abuse case, current available resources go to the children.
Shepp was removed from the horrific conditions in which he was
found but he died in a local animal facility last Friday. The owners
have not been charged with any crime and police are not confirming
that they know who owned Shepp.
Here is a link
to the footage of Shepp by KZTV 10, but be warned,
it is graphic and very disturbing.
To sign a petition to bring justice for Shepp which will be sent
to local officials, please
visit this link.
10/01/2008
A major development
in the animal cruelty case of Shepp the Dog. TWO PEOPLE HAVE BEEN
ARRESTED! A 44-year old man named
Daniel Luna, and a 45-year old woman named Norma Luna. Both charged
with animal cruelty. We will continue to update as we get more
information.
According to ACO Richard Golb, the DA who is prosecuting the case
is Deborah Rudder - here is contact info for that office :
PROSECUTORS' OFFICE
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00
p.m.
Physical Address: 120 North Chaparral, Room 240
Mailing Address: P.O.
Box 9277 Corpus Christi, Texas 78469-9277
Telephone Number: (361)
826-2530
Fax: (361) 886-2567
E-mail: Prosecutors@cctexas.com
A comparison of Shepp's
photos (graphic) to Doogie's photos
follows:
We are struck by the similarity
between photos of Doogie and photos of Shepp. Doogie
was lucky we found him when we did, and that the neighbor did not stop looking
for help when humane officers failed to respond. Yet, despite
vets best efforts, Shepp died of the cruelty bestowed upon him.
Why does it seem that when concerned citizens and neighbors do
the right thing and get help to save the dog before it's too late,
advocates are arrested for providing that help, and when they don't,
the poor creature dies and then maybe, maybe, cruelty
charges are filed? We maintain that these dogs have MORE rights
than to die BEFORE cruelty charges are filed. They deserve to LIVE!
And, where is the new
Texas law on this?
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Dognamic Duo's 12/12/120 Tour Days One and Two: Missouri and Arkansas
Pre-Tour Video
Day One, Missouri
Diary of Dawn: 1 Day in Missouri is 1 Day of Chained Misery
6 am I’m up getting ready for 12 days on the road. The biggest question on my mind is can we do it? Can Tammy and I easily drive to anywhere "Backyard America" and find chained and penned dogs suffering needlessly at the hands of their owners? Is the same pain and suffering prevalent across the U.S. as it is in my own town? What I learned today is that backyard America is… pain, suffering and sadness.
The morning started off positive after we maneuvered around the city and changed our rendezvous venue to escape the marathon being run in downtown St. Louis. We drove through East St. Louis, a poverty stricken area with a high crime rate. Though many of the buildings are dilapidated and scream for condemnation, the architectural beauty of more prosperous times still glinted through the cracked exteriors and drab surroundings.
This much like the puppies that were born into the world with a fifty-fifty chance of being adopted into a family of love or to be ostracized to the backyard for eternity. Would those pups be cherished or left to rot in the eliminates like the buildings that surrounded them? In the situations we saw today, the later prevailed.
Here, in East St. Louis dogs could be found chained and in pens and even running in packs on the street. Oddly enough the dogs in packs seemed more nourished and well fed then the dogs with caretakers, the ones on chains.
Just a few blocks away from this sadness was an outdoor patio where dogs sat on the ends of leashes as their owners enjoyed their morning coffee. Mollie, chained for 11 years and living in St. Louis like so many of my DDB chained rescues came to greet us at St. Louis Bread Co. Rose and Gary adopted Mollie into their hearts and home, a totally selfless act. Anyone adopting a senior dog knows the adoption is about the dog, not the people. Want to meet the kindest hearted people on earth? Look no further than the family of a previously chained Senior Dog.
When Mollie, Gary and Rose turned to leave, I stood and watched them round the corner until they were completely out of sight. I thought to myself, “That was Mollie and she lived suffering a lonely existence on the end of a chain and now she is walking through a patio filled with other people and their dogs as she strolls down the sidewalk to the nearest park with her family.” I can’t think of a better reason to be put on this earth then to know what I know and see what I saw at just that moment.
Sandy Lynn, one of my Hurricane Katrina traveling buddies showed us around Saint Louis. We talked to owners of chained dogs and offered our help. We went to look at two chained dogs we could not help, many had tried and all failed, except now St. Louis adopted a tethering ordinance that will finally free them from their backyard hell.
Not long after we arrived at the residence, the police were called, but when we told them about the new law and that we were offering help they advised us on other areas where chaining was a problem and needed our assistance. We thanked them and moved along in search of those areas. However, before we went much further we found a Rottie chained and padlocked in a backyard.
We drove to the front so we could talk to the owners, but the house was abandoned, chained and padlocked, ironically, just like the dog. I went to the back to check out the dog’s food and water situation and of course both food and water bowls were overturned and covered in dust. I fed the dog and was pouring water into his bowl as he hurriedly lapped it up when he decided to lunge at my hand as I poured the water. Luckily for me I’ve worked with dogs for years and saw it coming and quickly dodged out of the way. But what if it were a child? If the dog let the child wander that close to him before he felt threatened enough to pounce would the child have gotten out of the way? No, I’m sure the child would not and both the child and the dog would have paid with the price of this mistake with their lives.
A neighbor yelled down from the second floor in the house next door saying, “That dog is being looked after.” Then she admitted that the house was abandoned and the owner was leaving the dog there. “But he does come check on it,” she said. Tammy talked to her through the open window and we left information for the owner of the dog.
Next we took off to a small town in Southern Missouri where recently a tremendous amount of flooding had taken place. Another deja vu of Katrina when we turned down streets that were closed due to flooding. What happened to the dogs when it flooded? Some where taken inside, but many, a lot, where left outside to fend for themselves while chained by the neck to a doghouse full of water.
We hooked up with Janet who took us to see the city dog pound; a row of kennels set on the outside of a field. How sad that this is the best the city can do. This is last place these dogs will see before they are euthanized, unless some kind soul should adopt them. Here I met Stella and Thelma, both gave me generous kisses. Stella was already coming into heat and neither medium sized dog has a lot of hope of adoption. Thelma’s sidekick had been adopted, however, we later found her chained to a tree in a backyard down the street; from one hell to another.
We saw 25 chained dogs today and spoke to many of their caretakers. One asked me for a cigarette when I knocked on the door. I'd buy her a carton if she'd bring her dog inside!
Just another day in small town America, man’s best friends suffering in backyards while their owners sit inside watching television.
I sit here writing as exhausted as I was during Hurricane Katrina rescue. This work is as mentally draining as it is physically. Many a rescuer required therapy for post traumatic stress after Katrina and I’m wondering what my mental state will be after 12 days on the road witnessing the cruelty of the average man in average America.
Tammy is concentrating on piecing the video together. There is so much footage that she can’t show it all and must pick and choose what to include so she doesn’t overwhelm the viewer, and it is overwhelming what we saw today. Tammy says it's much like putting together a song, putting the video together so it tells the story as honestly as possible in a short amount of time.
The positive today is that Tammy hasn’t gotten angry yet, but I fear in a couple more days she will snap and kill Julie. Julie is our GPS Navigator and she has this bad habit of reminding us when we take a wrong turn by saying, “recalculating” That’s how I foresee this ending. I will be attacked by a dog or a human and Tammy will kill Julie; just throw her right out the window.
One day across "Backyard America" and I haven’t seen one happy pup yet. I hear it from chainers, “My dog is happy on a chain.” I’m still looking for that happily chained backyard dog. He’s not in Missouri, that’s for sure.
Today already came and went and I feel tomorrow will be worse. Though I may feel helpless, I still feel hopeful because with Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better and all our supporters on our side, all of the tomorrows will add up to so many yesterdays when we look back and remember that chaining dogs was a part of history.
Day Two, Arkansas Video
Day 2—Chained in Arkansas
It was a later start this morning and it has resulted in a later evening tonight or should I say earlier morning as I'm logging my diary entry in the wee hours.
I want you all to know that Tammy is snoring as I'm typing this. I know she will deny it, but it's truth. She makes a slight mooing noise and I neigh in my sleep. It must sound like a barnyard in here. It leaves me to wonder if all animal rescuers make animal noises during REM.
We started out this day to prove we can pull into any town in America and find chained dogs and today proved us right. The first area we came across had much rain which resulted in flooding and a woman we spoke with informed us that more rain was in the forecast. This is bad news for the neighboring Pit Bull who was sleeping on soggy ground in a pen next door.
The car came to an unexpected screeching halt when Tammy Grimes "Dog Warrior" saw a turtle in the middle of the road. This just proves what kind of a person Tammy really is, she'd risk her life (and mine) to get a turtle to cross the road and out of harm's way. Of course I video taped the footage with a play by play. I can only speculate if this had been in Pennsylvania instead of Arkansas would Tammy had been arrested for saving the turtle?
The next town we turned in to was almost as saturated as the one before. We counted many chained dogs in the area, some of the owners lived in beautiful brick homes and some in rundown trailers. This made no difference to their pets who were chained outside in the mud either way.
I immediately grew attached to a dog named Kane. He was a big German Shepherd with one lazy ear. I visited his caretaker while Tammy spoke to a neighbor about her chained dog. Kane had a thick chain wrapped around his throat which evoked panic in me because I've cut so many chains and collars from under the skin of dogs because of this. Tammy and I went out and purchased a thick collar for Kane, some chew toys, treats, rawhides and food. We also purchased a couple items for his caretaker, a new mother who needed some care herself. At the end of our visit I put Kane's new collar on him and had to hook him back up to the chain. It was the most sickening feeling for me to do that, but I left him with the promise of a new fence and his caretaker was left a little more educated on the importance of bringing Kane into her home.
Tammy and I spent most of the day knocking on doors and speaking to owners of chained dogs. When we stopped for lunch I passed a boutique with the latest spring fashions. A memory of a time before rescue (BR=Before Rescue) crept into my mind of a woman who would have stopped to browse and purchase something nice for herself. I realize I have no interest in such things anymore, no interest and no time. I sighed and walked away thinking that someone is going to send one of these videos to those snobbish trend setters on "What Not To Wear".
As we moved on to Little Rock we were in contact with a rescue friend Mica, who put us through to her friend who put us through to Stacy who was kind enough to meet up with us and show us around. Stacy took us into a part of the city she said was big into drug dealing. I prepared myself to see a vast number of chained dogs here and was surprised that the numbers were lower than expected. Obviously there were still some sad circumstances which Stacy explained was because the law was not always enforced in every area because neighbor's were often reluctant to phone in the violations. Stacy felt an answer to this would be for police and code officers to automatically contact the ACO if they noticed chained dog violations while they were enforcing another law.
Not long after we set out on our expedition did we see a little dog with a chain embedded into it's neck. The chain was dragging behind the dog as it sprinted away from us. The dog was always just out of our reach and a local explained that the dog had been running in the neighborhood that way for more than a month. He said we'd never catch him because the dog knew the neighborhood. He was right, that dog knew every hole and back alley and we didn't. We gave Stacy money to purchase food for the dog and she promised to go back to it's sleeping spot and rescue it. Later we spoke with another friend who is putting the ACO on the case. We told them to contact DDB and we would vet this dog. This poor baby is vividly etched into our minds and hearts. We are anxious for a happy ending to this story.
Another troubling case in Little Rock was when we found a sweet Chow mix attached to a trolley system that did not work. My guess was the dog had escaped before and his caretakers tried a quick remedy to tie him back up again resulting in a dog twisted and stuck in a position where it could barely move and couldn't reach it's water bucket. I tried to untangle the dog, but it was impossible, so I unhooked the water bucket and moved it to where the dog could reach it. The dog could tell I was getting the water and began jumping excitedly and darted for the nasty water in the bucket and greedily lapped it. I went to the house and spoke with the owners and the ACO is going to go and check on the dog and straighten out his caretaker.
We met with Emily Pennel and her husband John of Unchainyourdog.org who invited us into their lovely home and cooked us the most fantastic gourmet meal. Emily can be described as a woman who has it all: brains, looks, a great cook, plus compassion; the most admirable trait. My favorite part of the evening was when John said his wife Emily's shero is Tammy and his shero is Emily. John and Emily are a dynamic duo themselves as they have helped pass not one but two tethering laws in Arkansas! Special thanks to Emily and John not only for a great meal and great company, but for putting us up in a beautiful hotel for the night too. Gracias!
Having logged 31 dogs in Arkansas, we can confidently say that those 31 are mere molecules on the tip of a pinhead. Our total between the two states is now 51 dogs.
It is 3:55 a.m. and we need to be on the road at 8 a.m., so goodnight all, more excitement awaits us in Louisiana in only a few hours!
Dawn Ashby, DDB Public Liaison Director
Day One, Missouri
Diary of Dawn: 1 Day in Missouri is 1 Day of Chained Misery
6 am I’m up getting ready for 12 days on the road. The biggest question on my mind is can we do it? Can Tammy and I easily drive to anywhere "Backyard America" and find chained and penned dogs suffering needlessly at the hands of their owners? Is the same pain and suffering prevalent across the U.S. as it is in my own town? What I learned today is that backyard America is… pain, suffering and sadness.
The morning started off positive after we maneuvered around the city and changed our rendezvous venue to escape the marathon being run in downtown St. Louis. We drove through East St. Louis, a poverty stricken area with a high crime rate. Though many of the buildings are dilapidated and scream for condemnation, the architectural beauty of more prosperous times still glinted through the cracked exteriors and drab surroundings.
This much like the puppies that were born into the world with a fifty-fifty chance of being adopted into a family of love or to be ostracized to the backyard for eternity. Would those pups be cherished or left to rot in the eliminates like the buildings that surrounded them? In the situations we saw today, the later prevailed.
Here, in East St. Louis dogs could be found chained and in pens and even running in packs on the street. Oddly enough the dogs in packs seemed more nourished and well fed then the dogs with caretakers, the ones on chains.
Just a few blocks away from this sadness was an outdoor patio where dogs sat on the ends of leashes as their owners enjoyed their morning coffee. Mollie, chained for 11 years and living in St. Louis like so many of my DDB chained rescues came to greet us at St. Louis Bread Co. Rose and Gary adopted Mollie into their hearts and home, a totally selfless act. Anyone adopting a senior dog knows the adoption is about the dog, not the people. Want to meet the kindest hearted people on earth? Look no further than the family of a previously chained Senior Dog.
When Mollie, Gary and Rose turned to leave, I stood and watched them round the corner until they were completely out of sight. I thought to myself, “That was Mollie and she lived suffering a lonely existence on the end of a chain and now she is walking through a patio filled with other people and their dogs as she strolls down the sidewalk to the nearest park with her family.” I can’t think of a better reason to be put on this earth then to know what I know and see what I saw at just that moment.
Sandy Lynn, one of my Hurricane Katrina traveling buddies showed us around Saint Louis. We talked to owners of chained dogs and offered our help. We went to look at two chained dogs we could not help, many had tried and all failed, except now St. Louis adopted a tethering ordinance that will finally free them from their backyard hell.
Not long after we arrived at the residence, the police were called, but when we told them about the new law and that we were offering help they advised us on other areas where chaining was a problem and needed our assistance. We thanked them and moved along in search of those areas. However, before we went much further we found a Rottie chained and padlocked in a backyard.
We drove to the front so we could talk to the owners, but the house was abandoned, chained and padlocked, ironically, just like the dog. I went to the back to check out the dog’s food and water situation and of course both food and water bowls were overturned and covered in dust. I fed the dog and was pouring water into his bowl as he hurriedly lapped it up when he decided to lunge at my hand as I poured the water. Luckily for me I’ve worked with dogs for years and saw it coming and quickly dodged out of the way. But what if it were a child? If the dog let the child wander that close to him before he felt threatened enough to pounce would the child have gotten out of the way? No, I’m sure the child would not and both the child and the dog would have paid with the price of this mistake with their lives.
A neighbor yelled down from the second floor in the house next door saying, “That dog is being looked after.” Then she admitted that the house was abandoned and the owner was leaving the dog there. “But he does come check on it,” she said. Tammy talked to her through the open window and we left information for the owner of the dog.
Next we took off to a small town in Southern Missouri where recently a tremendous amount of flooding had taken place. Another deja vu of Katrina when we turned down streets that were closed due to flooding. What happened to the dogs when it flooded? Some where taken inside, but many, a lot, where left outside to fend for themselves while chained by the neck to a doghouse full of water.
We hooked up with Janet who took us to see the city dog pound; a row of kennels set on the outside of a field. How sad that this is the best the city can do. This is last place these dogs will see before they are euthanized, unless some kind soul should adopt them. Here I met Stella and Thelma, both gave me generous kisses. Stella was already coming into heat and neither medium sized dog has a lot of hope of adoption. Thelma’s sidekick had been adopted, however, we later found her chained to a tree in a backyard down the street; from one hell to another.
We saw 25 chained dogs today and spoke to many of their caretakers. One asked me for a cigarette when I knocked on the door. I'd buy her a carton if she'd bring her dog inside!
Just another day in small town America, man’s best friends suffering in backyards while their owners sit inside watching television.
I sit here writing as exhausted as I was during Hurricane Katrina rescue. This work is as mentally draining as it is physically. Many a rescuer required therapy for post traumatic stress after Katrina and I’m wondering what my mental state will be after 12 days on the road witnessing the cruelty of the average man in average America.
Tammy is concentrating on piecing the video together. There is so much footage that she can’t show it all and must pick and choose what to include so she doesn’t overwhelm the viewer, and it is overwhelming what we saw today. Tammy says it's much like putting together a song, putting the video together so it tells the story as honestly as possible in a short amount of time.
The positive today is that Tammy hasn’t gotten angry yet, but I fear in a couple more days she will snap and kill Julie. Julie is our GPS Navigator and she has this bad habit of reminding us when we take a wrong turn by saying, “recalculating” That’s how I foresee this ending. I will be attacked by a dog or a human and Tammy will kill Julie; just throw her right out the window.
One day across "Backyard America" and I haven’t seen one happy pup yet. I hear it from chainers, “My dog is happy on a chain.” I’m still looking for that happily chained backyard dog. He’s not in Missouri, that’s for sure.
Today already came and went and I feel tomorrow will be worse. Though I may feel helpless, I still feel hopeful because with Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better and all our supporters on our side, all of the tomorrows will add up to so many yesterdays when we look back and remember that chaining dogs was a part of history.
Day Two, Arkansas Video
Day 2—Chained in Arkansas
It was a later start this morning and it has resulted in a later evening tonight or should I say earlier morning as I'm logging my diary entry in the wee hours.
I want you all to know that Tammy is snoring as I'm typing this. I know she will deny it, but it's truth. She makes a slight mooing noise and I neigh in my sleep. It must sound like a barnyard in here. It leaves me to wonder if all animal rescuers make animal noises during REM.
We started out this day to prove we can pull into any town in America and find chained dogs and today proved us right. The first area we came across had much rain which resulted in flooding and a woman we spoke with informed us that more rain was in the forecast. This is bad news for the neighboring Pit Bull who was sleeping on soggy ground in a pen next door.
The car came to an unexpected screeching halt when Tammy Grimes "Dog Warrior" saw a turtle in the middle of the road. This just proves what kind of a person Tammy really is, she'd risk her life (and mine) to get a turtle to cross the road and out of harm's way. Of course I video taped the footage with a play by play. I can only speculate if this had been in Pennsylvania instead of Arkansas would Tammy had been arrested for saving the turtle?
The next town we turned in to was almost as saturated as the one before. We counted many chained dogs in the area, some of the owners lived in beautiful brick homes and some in rundown trailers. This made no difference to their pets who were chained outside in the mud either way.
I immediately grew attached to a dog named Kane. He was a big German Shepherd with one lazy ear. I visited his caretaker while Tammy spoke to a neighbor about her chained dog. Kane had a thick chain wrapped around his throat which evoked panic in me because I've cut so many chains and collars from under the skin of dogs because of this. Tammy and I went out and purchased a thick collar for Kane, some chew toys, treats, rawhides and food. We also purchased a couple items for his caretaker, a new mother who needed some care herself. At the end of our visit I put Kane's new collar on him and had to hook him back up to the chain. It was the most sickening feeling for me to do that, but I left him with the promise of a new fence and his caretaker was left a little more educated on the importance of bringing Kane into her home.
Tammy and I spent most of the day knocking on doors and speaking to owners of chained dogs. When we stopped for lunch I passed a boutique with the latest spring fashions. A memory of a time before rescue (BR=Before Rescue) crept into my mind of a woman who would have stopped to browse and purchase something nice for herself. I realize I have no interest in such things anymore, no interest and no time. I sighed and walked away thinking that someone is going to send one of these videos to those snobbish trend setters on "What Not To Wear".
As we moved on to Little Rock we were in contact with a rescue friend Mica, who put us through to her friend who put us through to Stacy who was kind enough to meet up with us and show us around. Stacy took us into a part of the city she said was big into drug dealing. I prepared myself to see a vast number of chained dogs here and was surprised that the numbers were lower than expected. Obviously there were still some sad circumstances which Stacy explained was because the law was not always enforced in every area because neighbor's were often reluctant to phone in the violations. Stacy felt an answer to this would be for police and code officers to automatically contact the ACO if they noticed chained dog violations while they were enforcing another law.
Not long after we set out on our expedition did we see a little dog with a chain embedded into it's neck. The chain was dragging behind the dog as it sprinted away from us. The dog was always just out of our reach and a local explained that the dog had been running in the neighborhood that way for more than a month. He said we'd never catch him because the dog knew the neighborhood. He was right, that dog knew every hole and back alley and we didn't. We gave Stacy money to purchase food for the dog and she promised to go back to it's sleeping spot and rescue it. Later we spoke with another friend who is putting the ACO on the case. We told them to contact DDB and we would vet this dog. This poor baby is vividly etched into our minds and hearts. We are anxious for a happy ending to this story.
Another troubling case in Little Rock was when we found a sweet Chow mix attached to a trolley system that did not work. My guess was the dog had escaped before and his caretakers tried a quick remedy to tie him back up again resulting in a dog twisted and stuck in a position where it could barely move and couldn't reach it's water bucket. I tried to untangle the dog, but it was impossible, so I unhooked the water bucket and moved it to where the dog could reach it. The dog could tell I was getting the water and began jumping excitedly and darted for the nasty water in the bucket and greedily lapped it. I went to the house and spoke with the owners and the ACO is going to go and check on the dog and straighten out his caretaker.
We met with Emily Pennel and her husband John of Unchainyourdog.org who invited us into their lovely home and cooked us the most fantastic gourmet meal. Emily can be described as a woman who has it all: brains, looks, a great cook, plus compassion; the most admirable trait. My favorite part of the evening was when John said his wife Emily's shero is Tammy and his shero is Emily. John and Emily are a dynamic duo themselves as they have helped pass not one but two tethering laws in Arkansas! Special thanks to Emily and John not only for a great meal and great company, but for putting us up in a beautiful hotel for the night too. Gracias!
Having logged 31 dogs in Arkansas, we can confidently say that those 31 are mere molecules on the tip of a pinhead. Our total between the two states is now 51 dogs.
It is 3:55 a.m. and we need to be on the road at 8 a.m., so goodnight all, more excitement awaits us in Louisiana in only a few hours!
Dawn Ashby, DDB Public Liaison Director
Monday, January 28, 2008
Just Another Piece of Garbage? I Don't Think So!
Online link to the article
Every week at Dogs Deserve Better we receive pictures of chained dogs that are obviously just another piece of trash, left and forgotten, in the caretaker's yard. The dog sits, day after day and year after year, amidst old junk cars, broken toys, rusted tools, and nameless and sundry other used up and broken paraphenalia, becoming too sad to even bark or make a fuss anymore.
I believe a good portion of the blame for the pervasiveness of this attitude rests upon the shoulders of this state's law enforcement agencies and judicial system. Three recent Pennsylvania cases not only support this argument, but were, in fact, what has led me to this conclusion.
Contrary to what many of us may think, Pennsylvania DOES in fact have anti-cruelty laws in place. They state: A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry. A person convicted of a summary offense should pay a fine of not less than $ 50 nor more than $ 750 or to imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.
So why does Pennsylvania have so many cases of dead and dying dogs, oftentimes abandoned on the end of a chain or locked in a shed where they remain until death?
The problem seems to lie in the actual ENFORCEMENT of these laws. More often than not they are simply not enforced. The police feel it is not their job to enforce them, and the humane officers, few that there are, are both overwhelmed and beaten down by a judicial system that all too frequently sides with the abusers. They become lackadaisical about enforcement because they know whatever work they put into building a case, the judge may very well throw it out and let the abuser walk. There is no reward for their efforts on behalf of the animal, only loss after loss in the courtroom, leading to an eventual paralysis of both heart and mind.
Recently in Centre County, PA, Dogs Deserve Better volunteers twice tried to get a humane officer to go look at chained dogs to ascertain if laws were being broken. They were told both times that the officer had more than 30 counties to oversee, and there was no way she could get there anytime in the near future. What happens to a dog who is near death in these counties without adequate humane enforcement and police who feel it's not their job? I think we all know the answer to that. And I think it's happening daily, with no one held accountable for yet another death of another helpless companion.
The attitude that dogs in Pennsylvania are JUST PROPERTY, and can be treated as such, is archaic and in need of some serious overhaul. In a sad nod to the effects of this 'just property' notion, and in what may horrifyingly become a legal trend, is convicting animal abusers of 'scattering rubbish' instead of the actual crime of cruelty to animals.
Scattering rubbish, a dead dog? With insane verdicts such as these appearing in our state newspapers and other media, the court system and law enforcement agencies are putting forth and reinforcing the notion that dogs are just another piece of garbage; that it's ok to kill a dog as long as you dispose of it properly. This lends credence to the already prevalent notion amongst Pennsylvania's animal abusers that dogs are not living breathing creatures deserving of our respect and just treatment according to the law, but merely chattel, refuse, something worthless and of no value. That you can dispose of one and get another with no consequences and no thought.
On January 8, 2008 in Stroudsburg, PA, Arnold Wheeler was acquitted of animal cruelty charges in the 2006 shootings of three of his dogs. Wheeler use a .22-caliber rifle to shoot a 2 year old male dog 4 times, an 8-month-old female dog 3 times, and another female with puppies 1 time, and then dumped their bodies off along the road. For these crimes he walked, but was instead convicted of scattering rubbish for dumping the dog's bodies. He was ordered to pay a $200 fine and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Then on January 24th, 2008, Cheryl Magnotta of Smethport, PA was sentenced for 6 counts of animal cruelty, after pleading guilty to abandoning 21 Great Danes and leaving them to die of starvation on her property. She was initially charged with 44 counts of 'scattering rubbish' and 21 counts of animal cruelty, but she pled out of all 44 counts of rubbish charges and all but 6 of the animal cruelty charges. She received time served and probation.
On September 11, 2006, I helped a dog left to die on the end of a chain in a yard, a useless 'piece of refuse' who could no longer stand or even bark. Despite video and photo evidence of cruelty, as well as eye-witness and vet testimony, no charges were ever filed by either the police or the humane officer against the dog's caretakers. Private criminal charges filed by myself and Dogs Deserve Better remain 'in limbo', probably in a 'let's avoid this' stack of charges on the DA's desk. Instead, I was arrested for 'stealing their property', and refusing to give it back when it was demanded of me. I was convicted and will be sentenced on February 22th...for standing up for 'just another piece of Pennsylvania garbage'.
Maybe, and that's a big maybe in East Freedom, Pennsylvania, if Doogie had died that day and been dumped along the road by the Arnolds, they too would have been convicted of 'scattering rubbish'. We will never know, because this one time someone stepped in and picked up the trash before it was all the way dead. With my conviction, the message being sent once again to the Pennsylvania public is that it's ok to kill your dog, because it's just another piece of junk laying in your yard; treat it as you see fit.
Just make sure you dispose of it properly when you're done.
Tammy S. Grimes, founder, Dogs Deserve Better, www.dogsdeservebetter.org
Every week at Dogs Deserve Better we receive pictures of chained dogs that are obviously just another piece of trash, left and forgotten, in the caretaker's yard. The dog sits, day after day and year after year, amidst old junk cars, broken toys, rusted tools, and nameless and sundry other used up and broken paraphenalia, becoming too sad to even bark or make a fuss anymore.
I believe a good portion of the blame for the pervasiveness of this attitude rests upon the shoulders of this state's law enforcement agencies and judicial system. Three recent Pennsylvania cases not only support this argument, but were, in fact, what has led me to this conclusion.
Contrary to what many of us may think, Pennsylvania DOES in fact have anti-cruelty laws in place. They state: A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry. A person convicted of a summary offense should pay a fine of not less than $ 50 nor more than $ 750 or to imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.
So why does Pennsylvania have so many cases of dead and dying dogs, oftentimes abandoned on the end of a chain or locked in a shed where they remain until death?
The problem seems to lie in the actual ENFORCEMENT of these laws. More often than not they are simply not enforced. The police feel it is not their job to enforce them, and the humane officers, few that there are, are both overwhelmed and beaten down by a judicial system that all too frequently sides with the abusers. They become lackadaisical about enforcement because they know whatever work they put into building a case, the judge may very well throw it out and let the abuser walk. There is no reward for their efforts on behalf of the animal, only loss after loss in the courtroom, leading to an eventual paralysis of both heart and mind.
Recently in Centre County, PA, Dogs Deserve Better volunteers twice tried to get a humane officer to go look at chained dogs to ascertain if laws were being broken. They were told both times that the officer had more than 30 counties to oversee, and there was no way she could get there anytime in the near future. What happens to a dog who is near death in these counties without adequate humane enforcement and police who feel it's not their job? I think we all know the answer to that. And I think it's happening daily, with no one held accountable for yet another death of another helpless companion.
The attitude that dogs in Pennsylvania are JUST PROPERTY, and can be treated as such, is archaic and in need of some serious overhaul. In a sad nod to the effects of this 'just property' notion, and in what may horrifyingly become a legal trend, is convicting animal abusers of 'scattering rubbish' instead of the actual crime of cruelty to animals.
Scattering rubbish, a dead dog? With insane verdicts such as these appearing in our state newspapers and other media, the court system and law enforcement agencies are putting forth and reinforcing the notion that dogs are just another piece of garbage; that it's ok to kill a dog as long as you dispose of it properly. This lends credence to the already prevalent notion amongst Pennsylvania's animal abusers that dogs are not living breathing creatures deserving of our respect and just treatment according to the law, but merely chattel, refuse, something worthless and of no value. That you can dispose of one and get another with no consequences and no thought.
On January 8, 2008 in Stroudsburg, PA, Arnold Wheeler was acquitted of animal cruelty charges in the 2006 shootings of three of his dogs. Wheeler use a .22-caliber rifle to shoot a 2 year old male dog 4 times, an 8-month-old female dog 3 times, and another female with puppies 1 time, and then dumped their bodies off along the road. For these crimes he walked, but was instead convicted of scattering rubbish for dumping the dog's bodies. He was ordered to pay a $200 fine and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Then on January 24th, 2008, Cheryl Magnotta of Smethport, PA was sentenced for 6 counts of animal cruelty, after pleading guilty to abandoning 21 Great Danes and leaving them to die of starvation on her property. She was initially charged with 44 counts of 'scattering rubbish' and 21 counts of animal cruelty, but she pled out of all 44 counts of rubbish charges and all but 6 of the animal cruelty charges. She received time served and probation.
On September 11, 2006, I helped a dog left to die on the end of a chain in a yard, a useless 'piece of refuse' who could no longer stand or even bark. Despite video and photo evidence of cruelty, as well as eye-witness and vet testimony, no charges were ever filed by either the police or the humane officer against the dog's caretakers. Private criminal charges filed by myself and Dogs Deserve Better remain 'in limbo', probably in a 'let's avoid this' stack of charges on the DA's desk. Instead, I was arrested for 'stealing their property', and refusing to give it back when it was demanded of me. I was convicted and will be sentenced on February 22th...for standing up for 'just another piece of Pennsylvania garbage'.
Maybe, and that's a big maybe in East Freedom, Pennsylvania, if Doogie had died that day and been dumped along the road by the Arnolds, they too would have been convicted of 'scattering rubbish'. We will never know, because this one time someone stepped in and picked up the trash before it was all the way dead. With my conviction, the message being sent once again to the Pennsylvania public is that it's ok to kill your dog, because it's just another piece of junk laying in your yard; treat it as you see fit.
Just make sure you dispose of it properly when you're done.
Tammy S. Grimes, founder, Dogs Deserve Better, www.dogsdeservebetter.org
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
10,000 Addresses? No Sweat...Just Get Me One Each!
Meet my newest foster, Delilah. (Rumor has it is considering me for her new mommy...she talks in her sleep when she's snuggled up to me at night, and I swear I heard her say it!)
She, like Riley who so many of you generously sponsored this Holiday Season, had been living on a chain without even the ability to see to relieve the daily boredom, loneliness, and yearly sojourn into Pennsylvania's winter cold. For she's blind.
Can you imagine even for a moment living your life on the end of a chain not able to see? How terrifying, so helpless to even defend yourself against intruders.
Thanks to a network of Pennsylvania volunteers, Delilah is now free and loving her inside home and family here with me, even sharing in the Christmas joys with her siblings.
Sadly, her beagle friend remains on a chain at the home where she lived; he's a 'huntin' dog', and they would not release him. I have sent them a special letter offering fencing if he could come into the home to live with them, but have not heard back yet. He will be one of the 25 new addresses I am personally pledging for our 2008 Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Campaign. But I know there are hundreds of thousands more of them out there across America and Canada!
I don't need you to pledge 25, but I am asking each of you to send us just 1 ADDRESS.
If everyone who reads this sends in 1 address, we will have well over 10,000 dogs receiving Valentines this year, and our 2008 HAVE A HEART FOR CHAINED DOGS campaign goal will be met and even exceeded!
To make it 'more anonymous' and easier than ever, I've put a form on the Valentine's page where you can submit your addresses simply and quickly, and include pertinent information such as how many dogs live there and whether they are chained, penned, or in some cases, both.
Drive by chained dogs Daily? Weekly? Please get those addresses today!
Truly don't see a chained dog anywhere near you? Consider making Valentines, sending coupons, or donating to cover the cost of the campaign.
Here's the link to our Valentine's page
Read this great article by Sandy Eckstein of the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the Valentine campaign:Some construction paper, glue and scissors could help a dog get a better life... Read More
She, like Riley who so many of you generously sponsored this Holiday Season, had been living on a chain without even the ability to see to relieve the daily boredom, loneliness, and yearly sojourn into Pennsylvania's winter cold. For she's blind.
Can you imagine even for a moment living your life on the end of a chain not able to see? How terrifying, so helpless to even defend yourself against intruders.
Thanks to a network of Pennsylvania volunteers, Delilah is now free and loving her inside home and family here with me, even sharing in the Christmas joys with her siblings.
Sadly, her beagle friend remains on a chain at the home where she lived; he's a 'huntin' dog', and they would not release him. I have sent them a special letter offering fencing if he could come into the home to live with them, but have not heard back yet. He will be one of the 25 new addresses I am personally pledging for our 2008 Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Campaign. But I know there are hundreds of thousands more of them out there across America and Canada!
I don't need you to pledge 25, but I am asking each of you to send us just 1 ADDRESS.
If everyone who reads this sends in 1 address, we will have well over 10,000 dogs receiving Valentines this year, and our 2008 HAVE A HEART FOR CHAINED DOGS campaign goal will be met and even exceeded!
To make it 'more anonymous' and easier than ever, I've put a form on the Valentine's page where you can submit your addresses simply and quickly, and include pertinent information such as how many dogs live there and whether they are chained, penned, or in some cases, both.
Drive by chained dogs Daily? Weekly? Please get those addresses today!
Truly don't see a chained dog anywhere near you? Consider making Valentines, sending coupons, or donating to cover the cost of the campaign.
Here's the link to our Valentine's page
Read this great article by Sandy Eckstein of the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the Valentine campaign:Some construction paper, glue and scissors could help a dog get a better life... Read More
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Announcing Dog Warrior Tattoo Design, Plus Valentine Rescue Graphics
New Tattoo and Attire, Gift Art
"Dog Warrior"
Welcome to the debut of my second tattoo design, Dog Warrior. The first one was so much fun, and so many of us are sporting them today, that I couldn't wait to get working on the second! It took awhile, though, due not only to the trial and custody battle, but also making sure I got it right.
I know I don't want a design on my wrist that I'm not ok with looking at every day for the rest of my life. To be honest, I'm still not sure I'm ready to commit to my first tattoo, (which is now on my left inner wrist) let alone add another to my right wrist!
The Dog Warrior tattoo follows a similar design style as the Rescue Angel tattoo, but while the rescue angel is serene and calm, the dog warrior is strong and sure, moving forward to win rights for Man's Best Friend.
But for me these tattoos are more than tattoos, and that's why I'm doing it. They are my promise to the animals that I will fight for them for the remainder of my lifetime....read more and see the new tattoo design at http://www.littlegirllooking.com/dogwarriortattoo.html.
You can also buy the art on clothing and other gift ideas at http://www.cafepress.com/littlegirllook.
In addition, I've added a couple of Valentine Rescue graphics to my store:
http://www.cafepress.com/littlegirllook
"Dog Warrior"
Welcome to the debut of my second tattoo design, Dog Warrior. The first one was so much fun, and so many of us are sporting them today, that I couldn't wait to get working on the second! It took awhile, though, due not only to the trial and custody battle, but also making sure I got it right.
I know I don't want a design on my wrist that I'm not ok with looking at every day for the rest of my life. To be honest, I'm still not sure I'm ready to commit to my first tattoo, (which is now on my left inner wrist) let alone add another to my right wrist!
The Dog Warrior tattoo follows a similar design style as the Rescue Angel tattoo, but while the rescue angel is serene and calm, the dog warrior is strong and sure, moving forward to win rights for Man's Best Friend.
But for me these tattoos are more than tattoos, and that's why I'm doing it. They are my promise to the animals that I will fight for them for the remainder of my lifetime....read more and see the new tattoo design at http://www.littlegirllooking.com/dogwarriortattoo.html.
You can also buy the art on clothing and other gift ideas at http://www.cafepress.com/littlegirllook.
In addition, I've added a couple of Valentine Rescue graphics to my store:
http://www.cafepress.com/littlegirllook
Friday, November 30, 2007
Free Student Memberships through January 31, 2008
Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit working on numerous fronts to end the suffering endured by dogs that are kept perpetually chained or penned, is offering free memberships for students through January 31, 2008.
"A large percentage of our membership and volunteer base is young people," explains founder Tammy Grimes, who started DDB five years ago after watching her neighbor's dog endure years of loneliness and neglect, chained to a dog house in the yard. "Without the energy and ideas that young people and students bring to our group, we wouldn't be able to rescue nearly the number of chained dogs that we do. Because many students make New Year's resolutions to make a difference, we wanted to reach out to those young people who care about animals – who perhaps are upset by the sight of chained dogs in their neighborhood – and who want to finally take a stand."
Students wishing to take advantage of the limited-time free memberships can visit Dogs Deserve Better
"A large percentage of our membership and volunteer base is young people," explains founder Tammy Grimes, who started DDB five years ago after watching her neighbor's dog endure years of loneliness and neglect, chained to a dog house in the yard. "Without the energy and ideas that young people and students bring to our group, we wouldn't be able to rescue nearly the number of chained dogs that we do. Because many students make New Year's resolutions to make a difference, we wanted to reach out to those young people who care about animals – who perhaps are upset by the sight of chained dogs in their neighborhood – and who want to finally take a stand."
Students wishing to take advantage of the limited-time free memberships can visit Dogs Deserve Better
Friday, November 02, 2007
Animal Rescue Angel Tattoo, now in Temporary as well as Permanent
I've been asked to provide the Animal Rescue Angel Tattoos in temporary tattoos, for those who are not interested in permanent tattoos, or would like to give it a try before deciding if they want the real thing.
So check it out! I have to tell you all I still haven't gotten the real thing yet...It's been more a matter of logistics and time than anything else, but I'm getting much closer.
My experiment with the temporary version has made me even more sure that's what I want. I've had the temporary tattoo on my inner wrist for the past 4 days, and it's still going strong. And I LOVE It! I'm glad I had the chance to see my vision there first, it makes me more sure.
Meanwhile, if you never want the real thing, try a temporary tattoo, or get them for an event. It's fun!
Rescue Tattoo Link, in both permanent and temporary, as well as links to attire and gifts
So check it out! I have to tell you all I still haven't gotten the real thing yet...It's been more a matter of logistics and time than anything else, but I'm getting much closer.
My experiment with the temporary version has made me even more sure that's what I want. I've had the temporary tattoo on my inner wrist for the past 4 days, and it's still going strong. And I LOVE It! I'm glad I had the chance to see my vision there first, it makes me more sure.
Meanwhile, if you never want the real thing, try a temporary tattoo, or get them for an event. It's fun!
Rescue Tattoo Link, in both permanent and temporary, as well as links to attire and gifts
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Chained-Dog nonprofit asks, but what do we do with these donated NFL tickets?
Chained-canine nonprofit asks,
What do we do with these donated NFL tickets?
Wants YouTube viewers most creative ideas in light of the NFL boycott
Tipton, PA — July 26, 2007 — Dogs Deserve Better, a national nonprofit working to end the suffering endured by dogs kept chained or penned for life, announced today that they're seeking input from YouTube viewers on what to do with donated NFL tickets the organization has received; tickets which they'd planned to raffle off to raise funds for their work for chained and penned dogs.
Many animal organizations are currently boycotting the NFL in light of the Michael Vick case.
The donated tickets are for the August 26th game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, a game highly anticipated each year in Pennyslvania.
Tammy Grimes, founder of the organization, feels it is very ironic the donation has come this year. "We've never had football tickets donated before, and were very excited about it, especially because it's the Pennsylvania rivalry...but we cannot in all good conscience raffle these tickets off as intended at this point in time. We're looking for YouTube viewers most creative ideas on what to do with the tickets, so log into our YouTube site today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPefVp-hpro to voice your opinion!"
Grimes will make the trip to Richmond for the 3:00 p.m. rally on Thursday, July 26. "Dog fighting takes our issue to the utmost levels of cruelty imaginable; not only are the dogs short-chained on thick logging chains to build their muscles and frustration, but they are then subjected to horrendous deaths for the enjoyment of sick individuals.
I implore dog lovers the world over to help us finally end this intensely cruel practice."
Dogs Deserve Better (www.dogsdeservebetter.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has over 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France.
What do we do with these donated NFL tickets?
Wants YouTube viewers most creative ideas in light of the NFL boycott
Tipton, PA — July 26, 2007 — Dogs Deserve Better, a national nonprofit working to end the suffering endured by dogs kept chained or penned for life, announced today that they're seeking input from YouTube viewers on what to do with donated NFL tickets the organization has received; tickets which they'd planned to raffle off to raise funds for their work for chained and penned dogs.
Many animal organizations are currently boycotting the NFL in light of the Michael Vick case.
The donated tickets are for the August 26th game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, a game highly anticipated each year in Pennyslvania.
Tammy Grimes, founder of the organization, feels it is very ironic the donation has come this year. "We've never had football tickets donated before, and were very excited about it, especially because it's the Pennsylvania rivalry...but we cannot in all good conscience raffle these tickets off as intended at this point in time. We're looking for YouTube viewers most creative ideas on what to do with the tickets, so log into our YouTube site today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPefVp-hpro to voice your opinion!"
Grimes will make the trip to Richmond for the 3:00 p.m. rally on Thursday, July 26. "Dog fighting takes our issue to the utmost levels of cruelty imaginable; not only are the dogs short-chained on thick logging chains to build their muscles and frustration, but they are then subjected to horrendous deaths for the enjoyment of sick individuals.
I implore dog lovers the world over to help us finally end this intensely cruel practice."
Dogs Deserve Better (www.dogsdeservebetter.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has over 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
“Chained, Unneutered Male Dogs” Top Group’s List for Most Likely to Bite During Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 20-26
“Chained, Unneutered Male Dogs” Top Group’s List for Most Likely to Bite During Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 20-26
Mothers Against Dog Chaining Advises Parents NOT to Leave Children Unattended
with Chained Dogs; Logs 16 Chained Dog Attacks on Children since Mid-April
(Altoona, PA - 17 May 2007) Mothers Against Dog Chaining, an initiative of the national nonprofit organization Dogs Deserve Better, has logged 16 chained dog attacks on children since issuing a warning about spring chained dog attacks just a month ago, in Mid-April. The group attributes the annual rise in spring attacks to an increase in spring play and outdoor activity by our nation’s youth. This, coupled with a winter of pent up energy and missed socialization on the part of the dogs is a combination that proves all too often to be deadly.
The group seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of chaining a dog; during Dog Bite Prevention Week they advise all parents NOT to leave children unattended with chained dogs, especially unneutered males to keep them safe and unharmed.
Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better and leader of the Mothers Against Dog Chaining initiative, explains, “Statistically, the largest bite factor come in the package of an unneutered male dog who spends his life on the end of a chain. The dog is angry, unsocialized, full of testosterone, and with easy access to children; children who don’t understand, who trust and just want to pet the dog. Why don’t communities see the danger inherent in allowing this to continue?
Each of the 16 dog attacks I’ve catalogued since we warned about spring dog attacks last month has been an unneutered male on a chain. The largest percentage of them has been pit bulls, and so each community screams pit bull ban. But instead they need to look at the larger picture...Each of these male pits has been unneutered, unvetted, chained, and unsocialized. Pits are the most abused dog in America, and addressing the irresponsibility of pit bull owners, breeders, and fighters will be much more efficient in stopping attacks than banning the breed. Stop them from chaining and breeding dogs in backyards and we will have a much lower incidence of pit bull attacks and pit bull bans.”
From October 2003 through May 2007, there have been at least 139 children seriously injured or killed by chained dogs. Chained dogs, unsocialized with humans, can and do attack and kill small children who wander into their territory. The trend toward anti-tethering legislation continues, with currently over 100 cities, counties, and states in the nation banning or limiting chaining; California installed a 3 hour a day chaining limit in fall 2006.
For more information, to see a breakdown by month and state, view pics and mother’s testimonials, and the latest updates on attacks, please visit the website at http://www.mothersagainstdogchaining.org/attacks.html.
Mothers Against Dog Chaining Advises Parents NOT to Leave Children Unattended
with Chained Dogs; Logs 16 Chained Dog Attacks on Children since Mid-April
(Altoona, PA - 17 May 2007) Mothers Against Dog Chaining, an initiative of the national nonprofit organization Dogs Deserve Better, has logged 16 chained dog attacks on children since issuing a warning about spring chained dog attacks just a month ago, in Mid-April. The group attributes the annual rise in spring attacks to an increase in spring play and outdoor activity by our nation’s youth. This, coupled with a winter of pent up energy and missed socialization on the part of the dogs is a combination that proves all too often to be deadly.
The group seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of chaining a dog; during Dog Bite Prevention Week they advise all parents NOT to leave children unattended with chained dogs, especially unneutered males to keep them safe and unharmed.
Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better and leader of the Mothers Against Dog Chaining initiative, explains, “Statistically, the largest bite factor come in the package of an unneutered male dog who spends his life on the end of a chain. The dog is angry, unsocialized, full of testosterone, and with easy access to children; children who don’t understand, who trust and just want to pet the dog. Why don’t communities see the danger inherent in allowing this to continue?
Each of the 16 dog attacks I’ve catalogued since we warned about spring dog attacks last month has been an unneutered male on a chain. The largest percentage of them has been pit bulls, and so each community screams pit bull ban. But instead they need to look at the larger picture...Each of these male pits has been unneutered, unvetted, chained, and unsocialized. Pits are the most abused dog in America, and addressing the irresponsibility of pit bull owners, breeders, and fighters will be much more efficient in stopping attacks than banning the breed. Stop them from chaining and breeding dogs in backyards and we will have a much lower incidence of pit bull attacks and pit bull bans.”
From October 2003 through May 2007, there have been at least 139 children seriously injured or killed by chained dogs. Chained dogs, unsocialized with humans, can and do attack and kill small children who wander into their territory. The trend toward anti-tethering legislation continues, with currently over 100 cities, counties, and states in the nation banning or limiting chaining; California installed a 3 hour a day chaining limit in fall 2006.
For more information, to see a breakdown by month and state, view pics and mother’s testimonials, and the latest updates on attacks, please visit the website at http://www.mothersagainstdogchaining.org/attacks.html.
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