From: Natalie Rowntree <qehounds@...>
Subject: Re: [RDOES] Durham NC AC speaks
To: RDOES@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008, 8:20 AM

Sandi-
Please supply a url for this-

Natalie

sandi coy wrote:

 

With the passing of the ordinance in Durham County surrounding the banning of dog chaining, a lot of people are unclear as to what the ordinance means. Can I never have my dog on a tether outside? Are dogs going to be kept in tiny cages now? Both of these issues are covered in the ordinance to provide for maximum comfort of the animal. I asked Meredith some questions about the ordinance, and this was her response - to which she also replied that one of the main arguments around the ordinance is people assume that dog owners will take off the tether and stick the dog in a cage. That, too, is outlawed, and proper enclosure areas are included in the ordinance. I asked Mer about these issues, and here is what she said  Above you see what the ordinance truly does, it does away with crates and "cages"/.  So now you can not take them inside and crate and rotate.  APBT owners, are in real trouble but that is part of the hidden agenda.   for bigger dogs. Dog houses, water bowls, etc. are not included as obstructing the square footage.This is not in the law, and if it is not spelled out in the law then it does not exist. Q: Is that enough room for the animal? A. 100 square feet may not seem like a lot, but let's remember some things beyond space that barriers such as pens or fences provide: protection from people, from other roaming animals (this is especially important for females in heat), and this works the other way, as well - barriers provide people safety from chained animals. The majority of chained dogs right now don't have nearly the same space that a 10' by 10' pen would allow. Most chains, remember, are tied to trees - this means the dog doesn't have unobstructed freedom to roam on a chain, even if the chain is the required 10 feet long as it is in the old ordinance. Chains get wrapped around trees, knock over water bowls, get tangled in themselves, etc. So in an ideal world, sure, while dogs on a chain could have more space than a 10' by 10' kennel, they don't because other objects in the yard obstruct their chain. Q: What is the ultimate purpose of the ordinance? A: The key is that this ordinance outlaws only unattended tethering. Most people think the majority of people who tether their animals are responsible dog owners who tether their dogs while gardening, barbecuing outside, etc. Even if this were the case (it's definitely not), this is still allowed under the ordinance. You can tether your animal as long as you are outside with them and in visual range of them.  The coalition and other advocates of the ban are well aware that the ordinance is not perfect, but it's a good start. Also, if you feel that you don't like the sizing of pens, etc and want to make sure that doesn't happen, I strongly invite you to contribute funds or time to the Coalition to Unchain Dogs to help them increase the number of full backyard fences they can build for the Durham community. The ordinance does not go into effect until 2010, so the Coalition will be ramping up to help as many people as possible get a free fence put up for their dog. But they can't do it without your help. Get out your pocketbook or put on your work gloves to put up a few fences. Truly, this can change the lives of dogs and families all over Durham County. Go here to get more info on how you can help: http://www.unchaind ogs.net/ Labels: dogs. Coalition     Ecclesiastes 9:4 "For him that is joined to all living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion." Sandi Coy RN,  rdoes1@yahoo. com,    AADR Legislative Analyst Chairwoman Responsible Dog Owners Eastern States,  Responsible Dog Owners of KY President KY AADR Club  We need Responsible Dog laws that punish the Irresponsible owner and not any breed.