Dog bite prevention week is on its way

Lisa C. Compton
Published: May 13, 2008

May 18 to 24 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. One way to create a dangerous dog is to chain it to a tree or doghouse and leave it to pace the same patch of dirt for years on end.

Though most people find the notion of chaining a dog for its life abhorrent, many people in our community still resort to the “easy way out” when it comes to caring for their dog. Sadly, what makes for a lonely existence for the dog also creates a dangerous situation for our children. Hundreds of children are killed or maimed every year by chained dogs. Dogs are social animals. When kept chained and isolated from their “pack,” dogs become pathologically protective of their patch of land. Many become aggressive time bombs — infested with parasites and frustrated into madness from a lack of socialization, kindness and exercise. Too often, children looking just to “pet the doggy” pay the price.

Lawmakers across the country are enacting reasonable laws that forbid people from chaining a dog for its life. It is time for your community to follow the national trend and end this antiquated practice.
Learn more at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org and http://www.mothersagainstdogchaining.org.

LISA C. COMPTON
Glen Allen
Virginia representative of Dogs Deserve Better