Many towns, cities, counties and states have passed stronger laws against chaining/tethering and penning dogs 24/7. Unfortunately, many dogs are still suffering because the laws are not strong enough or because the agencies in charge of enforcing the laws are not responding in an effective manner.

Below are letters and articles sent to us that tell the story of what happens when the system and enforcers fail to defend these dogs, that can not defend themselves. We hope they inspire you to fight for stronger legislation regarding "outside" dogs, and encourage you to be persistent when reporting dogs in need where you live.

11/06/07 - Fulton County, NY

Tammy. I e-mailed you last Winter about my Sister's Dog. His name was
Teddy, he spent his whole life on a chain.I contacted the Local SPCA in Fulton County NY. They went with a Sheriff and looked at Teddy. She called and told me he was fine. That was in February, 2007. You even sent my Sister a Valentine's Day note. Well, here is is November, and Teddy died last week. He had Tumors all over his body. They did move him into the garage, but it was too little, too late.
Thank You.

Lisa
New York

10/31/07 - Wilson County, TN

I have included pictures (taken today) of the dogs that have been abandoned at 286 Clemons Lane, Wilson County. Warning: There are some disturbing pictures below.

It is a sad situation when our Sheriff's Department and our Animal Control department had been called numerous times over 2 days about this emergency situation and neither took any action even though state laws were being violated and animals were suffering. A sheriff's deputy did visit the property as did Don Franklin, a county commissioner, and still nothing was done even though they witnessed the situation
which included dead and dying dogs. Two neighbors (private citizens) received minor dog bites when trying to help with the situation on their own since they were getting no assistance.

To me, this looked like breeding operation that went bad after the house on the property burned down and the residents left. On the property we (Melissa Richards and Sara Felmlee) found 4 dead dogs, the skulls of 5 other dogs, 5 live adult Border Collies (some mixes), 7 adolescent Border Collies (3 in a pen and 4 running loose on the
property) and 8 puppies that were approximately 5-6 weeks old. A mother dog
that had died just today was being nursed on by puppies. It appeared, from
marks on her body, that the other adult dogs were trying to feed on her flesh.

The adult dogs were either aggressive toward us or fearful of us, none could be approached. We were able to get all 8 small pups. Because there were already 2 dead puppies we felt it was necessary to remove the babies from the situation immediately. Of the 7 adolescent pups 3 were social and friendly and the other 4 were fearful. All adolescents appeared to be in fair condition.

The 4 dead dogs will be taken to the state lab for necropsy to determine the cause of death. The 8 puppies were taken to a veterinary clinic immediately for evaluation and medical treatment and are now being held in a foster home. The rest of the dogs were left on the property with food and water. The Mayor will be presented pictures of the situation tomorrow morning and we will continue from there. We are trying to find the owners of the dogs so that legal action can be taken.

What do these situations say about our county? Law enforcement and animal control chose not to respond to situations like this. This is just one of many examples of the great need in Wilson county for a full service professional animal control program.

There were approximately 8 kennels with a large open area in the center.The dogs were extremely hungry. Even the fearful adult came when cat food was available.One of the 8 pups we took. One of the 2 dead pups. One of at least 5 skulls we found. Dead male dog found in one of the kennels. It appears that he had been dead longer than the others.The other dead pup.Female dog that died today.The 3 friendly pups that appeared in the best condition.Pups being taken for evaluation.Food, vaccinations, dewormer and Frontline. They will feel much better tomorrow.

Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit education/legislation/rescue organization.

Contact Info: Dogs Deserve Better, Inc. • P.O. Box 23 • Tipton, PA 16684 • Toll Free 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
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