Fulton County's tethering ban goes into effect on September 4th

Actual collar/leash used to tether a dog

There are neighborhoods in Atlanta with big, new houses, large fenced yards and happy dogs running around chasing frisbees and balls. They romp around the yard playing with their humans, and come into the house at night to sleep in their own bed, or if they're really lucky in their owner's bed. People who live in these neighborhoods might not understand what life is like for chained dogs. 

Where I live it's a different story. Vacant houses dot the blocks, overgrown trees and bushes making them almost invisible. Empty beer bottles and losing lotto tickets litter the streets. The sound of dogs barking in yards echos through the air. But how are these dogs living? It's a sight that most dog lovers aren't prepared for.

One dog lived on the end of a 4 foot cable. He didn't have a collar, just the cable wrapped around his neck with a sharp metal clasp. His neck was raw and bloody from where the metal edges repeatedly scraped his skin. He didn't have a doghouse to protect him from the rain or the hot sun. He had to sit there, at the end of his short cable, indefinitely. He never went for walks or played with his humans. He never snuggled into a soft, warm bed at night. He just lied there, in the dirt. 

Another dog lived his life on the end of a cable, too. I would listen to him cry at night in the rain. Animal control couldn't do anything since he had a doghouse. But I knew by his cries that he didn't want to be out there alone. Eventually he escaped, and never returned to his owner. 

I saw another dog today. He was on a small porch, at the top of the stairs. He had a chain around his neck held together by a padlock bigger than my hand. I don't even know how he held his head up. He didn't have any shelter, so animal control will be checking on him soon. Officers don't like owners keeping their dogs like this, but they can't force them to do anything but provide water and a doghouse.

Luckily, in less than three weeks Fulton County Animal Control Officers will be able to do much more for these forgotten dogs. In March a bill was unanimously passed that makes it illegal to chain or tether your dog up outside. It goes into effect on September 4, 2009, so owners had a six month grace period to adjust to the new law. Some owners constructed fences or pens for their dogs, but there are still a lot of dogs living on the end of chains. 

Don't worry if you like to tie your dog up outside with you while you're washing the car or out barbecuing in the park. The new law allows dogs to be tied up if the owner is present. It's the owners that force their dogs to lives live entirely on chains that this law is for. It also requires owners to provide properly fitting collars or harnesses that are not excessively heavy. No more chains or cords are to be wrapped around their necks. 

What about the dog owners who truly love and care about their dogs but don't have the financial means to provide a fenced in yard? An amazing group, Dogs Deserve Better, already thought about this. They can help cash-strapped dog owners by building a dog pen. Contact your local Dogs Deserve Better Area Rep to find out more details. 

Dogs that are left outside to live on chains become aggressive after time. They're more susceptible to diseases like heartworm and can easily get into fights or mating situations with other dogs if they're not spayed or neutered. This leads to even more overpopulation in local shelters, meaning more dogs will be euthanized. Fulton County Animal Services will spay or neuter resident's dogs for free. Call them at (404)794-0358 for further information.