Letter: ‘Best friends’ deserve better

Monday, Dec. 16, 2002 | 9:20 a.m.

All too often people get a puppy or a dog on an impulse without understanding the depth of this lifetime commitment. It isn't enough just to provide food, water and shelter. Dogs also need socialization, companionship and love. Many people don't understand that to keep a dog continuously outside, away from its family, is cruel. And to keep them chained or tethered is inhumane.

Who says chaining or tethering dogs is inhumane? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated, "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane." There are many communities across the country that have either banned tethering or chaining or have limited the amount of time a dog can be chained or tethered.

In Clark County our animal protection ordinance only stipulates that, "It shall further be unlawful to restrict any animal by leash, cord or chain of a length which causes cruelty or torture to the animal." We can do better for our "best friends." To keep a dog isolated outside is to sentence him to an unnatural life of boredom, sadness and loneliness. In addition, a tethered dog often becomes overly aggressive and dangerous to humans, other animals and himself.

You should only get a dog if you want him to actually be a part of your life, if you want to share unconditional love and the joyful bond between man and dog. If you have a dog, don't lose out on this amazing and fulfilling experience. Bring your dog inside and let him into your heart.

DORI GILBERT