A Virginia House Delegate Has Introduced a Bill To Get Dogs Off Chains - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!
March 24, 2018

To Virginia Delegate John J. Bell (D-District 87) for introducing HB646 to outlaw continuous dog chaining in Virginia.

Continuous dog chaining is one of the worst manifestations of animal cruelty. While it is reasonable that an owner may need to tether a dog for short periods of time under human supervision in normal weather conditions, dogs who are continuously chained endure a life chained to the ground. They do not go indoors, go for walks, have opportunities to run or play, or visit new places. Chained dogs are also vulnerable to attacks by other animals, exposed to extreme weather, and suffer an increased risk of contracting insect-borne diseases such as heart worm. Chained dogs may psychologically degrade over time due to boredom and lack of social contact with humans and other dogs.

Dog chaining occurs in every state, but is a major problem in regions like southern Virginia. Virginia Delegate John Bell has introduced a bill that if passed into law, would allow animal control officers to take action to help dogs who are perpetually chained. HB646 would outlaw chaining of dogs at night between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m, and require an owner to be on the property any time a dog is chained. Owners could not lawfully chain their dogs when the temperate is below 32 degrees or higher than 85 degrees.  When tethered, the tether would be required to be four times the length of the animal or 15-feet long, whichever is longer. 

Take action. Virginia residents, contact your legislators and urge them to support HB646 to outlaw inhumane, continuous dog chaining in Virginia. Feel free to use NHES’ sample action letter below.

Re: HB646 To ban continuous dog chaining in virginia

Dear Sen. or Rep. [Last Name]

I am writing to express my support of legislation in Virginia that would impose limitations on dog chaining. Dogs who are tethered outdoors to a stationary object for days, weeks, or even years suffer physically and psychologically. These dogs are vulnerable to extreme weather, at higher risk for insect-borne diseases, often tip over water bowls while dragging their chain, have no means of escape from wild animals and free-roaming dogs, and often die or suffer gruesome injury as a result of strangulation by the chain. When dogs are ignored outside and deprived of interaction with humans and other dogs, many become aggressive. Incessant barking, destruction of turf, the accumulation of feces in the animal’s immediate vicinity may reduce property values. Continuous chaining is not healthy for dogs, humans, or communities. Please support legislation to stop the continuous tethering of dogs. Thank you for considering my viewpoint on this issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]