Dogs are an important part of our families. They deserve to be loved and cared for just like any other family member. However, there are many people that don’t think like this. They will leave their dogs chained up outside, even in extreme weather! It’s common knowledge that dogs shouldn’t be left alone in a hot car, but what about the poor dogs that are cold during the winter? Dogs want to be inside with you, not shivering in the snow!
What Are the State Laws?
For all 50 states, the laws about tethering your dog outside are all over the place. Only 19 states have laws on this topic, and many of them aren’t even strictly enforced. Many of them are simply about how to tether your dog and how long it’s okay to tether your dog for. However, many of these specifications are very broad.
Out of those 19 states, only a few of them, such as Texas and Massachusetts, mention extreme weather in their laws. However, all 50 states should have laws against leaving a dog out in the cold. Just because they have a coat of fur or hair doesn’t mean that they’re not cold outside. If you’re cold outside for long periods of time, your dog is too!
“Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside,” said the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.”
This is not only true for the cold, but for all extreme weather conditions. Dogs should not be left in extreme heat, pouring rain, or in freezing temperatures. You wouldn’t treat your other family members this way, so the same goes for your dog.
Sign the Petition!
Dogs are pack animals by nature. When you welcome a dog into your home, your family becomes their new pack. Both families and packs need to stick together, so your dog wants to be with you as much as possible. If you leave them outside often, you’re risking both their health and happiness.
A life outside is no life for a dog, especially when the weather becomes unbearable. Luckily, there’s a petition that’s working to change these laws.
The petition was created to improve the tethering laws in every state. Animal abuse laws everywhere should cover this topic. That way, humans that leave their dogs to freeze will be rightfully punished. Leaving your dog outside in severe weather could be deadly for them, so more people need to put the well-being of their dog first.
Click here to sign the petition and make a difference for dogs all over the country!
H/T: onegreenplanet.org
Toledo, United States.
