01/04/2025
Dogs may not speak our language, but they let us know what they would like. What they would like is our approval, our companionship, and our love. Well, all that and perhaps a comfy spot on the couch or a few treats and some belly rubs. Letâs face it, dogs thrive in our company. Sadly, for an overwhelming number of them, life is lived without the warmth of the human bond or any sort of companionship.
Some may know âGuard Dogâ (aka "Sparky") who made his debut in the MUTTS comic strip in 1995. He was a chained dog who longed for freedom, and through the years played an important part in raising awareness about the animals who live chained, day in and day out, regardless of the season. The ones who live endlessly tied to a tree, a clothesline, or some sort of outbuilding, praying someone will remember to dump some food to eat or give them a small drink. January is âUnchain a Dog Monthâ and, like âGuard Dogâ, is dedicated to bringing awareness about those animals forced to live alone, chained outside without the love, care, and companionship they desperately crave.
Dogs are social beings. Put a dog on a chain and leave him alone in one area for days, months, or even years and he will suffer physically and mentally. These dogs endure unbelievable hardships. They suffer empty bowls and erratic feeding, overturned water bowls, and have no (or limited access to) adequate medical care. Often a chained dog becomes starved, dehydrated, and ill because the chain to which it is tethered entangles and prevents him from accessing whatever meager food or water is provided. They suffer from weather extremes. During winterâs cold months there is no warmth. Rarely is there adequate shelter to shield them from heavy rains or snow. When temperatures soar to triple digits, they do not have protection from the sun, extreme heat, or sufficient clean water to quench their parched throats. Moreover, because they are in a very confined area, not only do they sleep, defecate and eat all in one place, but often it is nothing but a small patch of dirt or mud that is rarely, if ever, cleaned.
In many cases, the collars encircling their necks become embedded in the flesh, the result of years of neglect and constantly straining to escape the bonds of confinement. Chained dogs do not receive affection, simply because they can easily be ignored and forgotten. Because they have no socialization, approaching them becomes almost impossible. If one takes a friendly dog and keeps it continuously chained, the animal often becomes aggressive. Unable to distinguish between friend or foe when confronted with a perceived threat, and unable to take flight, they feel forced to fight, attacking anything entering their territory.
They are vulnerable to other animals and cruel people. Some may be shot, others set on fire, poisoned or tortured beyond endurance. They are targets for thieves looking to sell them or use them for dog fighting. As a final indignity, the dogâs chain, which is easily tangled, can slowly strangle him to death. Chaining is inhumane and these dogs need our help.
What can you do? Start by calling local animal control if you see a dog chained to a stationary object day-in and day-out. Under California Health and Safety Code, it is illegal to tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog to a doghouse, tree, fence, or any other stationary object. It is also unlawful to tether a dog to a running line, trolley, or pulley with a choke or pinch collar. It is legal to tether a dog for any activity, provided the restraining of the dog is necessary for completion of a task, is temporary, and lasts for no more than three hours in a 24-hour period. If the dogâs guardian is in violation of the law, notify the appropriate authority to investigate the situation. In the city limits of Red Bluff, call the Red Bluff Police Department (https://www.rbpd.org/ 530-527-3131). In the city limits of Corning, call the Corning Police Department (https://www.corning.org/departments/police-department 530-824-7000). Anywhere in Tehama County other than the above locations, call the Tehama County Sheriffâs Office (https://tehamaso.org/ 530-529-7900 ext. 1). If you do not receive a response within a reasonable period, do not hesitate to contact a supervisor. If you are still not getting an appropriate response, contact the Tehama County District Attorneyâs office (530-527-3053). That dogâs life is dependent on your action.
Raise community awareness about the many potential problems related to chained dogs. Unchain Your Dog (http://www.unchainyourdog.org/index.html ) offers free downloads and multiple ideas for educating the community at large. Help educate the dogsâ owners with the hope they will learn to treat their pets better. You may not be able to convince the owner to unchain, or even relinquish, the dog, nor may you be able to convince them to make any changes them-selves to improve the dogâs life. Nevertheless, you can try to be sure water and food are easily reached and available, that there is some modicum of adequate shelter. Always be relentless in bringing the situation before the authorities!
That dog is counting on you to be his champion, to be his voice, to be his savior!
 Dogs may not speak our language, but they let us know what they would like. What they would like is our approval, our companionship, and our love. Well, all that and perhaps a comfy spot onâŠ
