Editor:
Too often we see dogs chained in all types of weather, especially in rural areas, living in quiet desperation. Their spirits have been broken.
As burglary cases sky rocket in Santa Fe, more people are getting dogs to protect their homes. Many treat their dogs merely as security device and lack basic knowledge of dog care. Since pit bulls are often the choice as guard dogs, they suffer the worst fate, chained or tied to a post. Taking a dog home means a lifetime commitment to the dog’s welfare.
When one species invites and shares the same habitat with another species, the two emerge as one habitant, cooperating with one another. Should these two species be protected by the same law, provided with the same moral consideration?
Dogs are part of the human family, participating in our daily activities such as outings, hiking, playing and share meals or a nap. In turn, we get the best emotional support from their unconditional love surpassing that from our own kind. They watch us closely and they
understand.
The language of guard dog distorts the fact that a dog is really a child with the same physical and emotional needs, completely dependent on the guardian’s thoughtful care. Would anyone chain a child to a post and leave it in complete isolation? The barking of a chained dog is a plea for their natural rights.
It is time to change the law to ban dog chaining altogether. A new law should permit only those who are able to provide good home life for the dog, along with fenced yard, so there is no need to chain the dog.
Animal shelters should mandate all new dog owners to take classes on understanding dog behavior and psychology as well as on how to care for a new dog prior to adoption since most animal abuse cases are caused by negligence.
An agreement, provided by the animal shelter, should be signed by the new dog owner to guarantee the dog will not be chained. Those who do not have a fenced yard or refuse to keep the dog inside are not qualified to have dogs.
This is the only way to eliminate the root cause of dog abuse. Taking care of our dogs is the same as parenting a child, not any less. A dog’s intelligence is equal to a four-year-old child with complex emotions similar to ours. These facts should serve as sufficient arguments to ban dog chaining.
Mira Fong
Santa Fe