All Species Kinship (ASK) is Battle Creek's 501(c)(3) nonprofit direct outreach animal advocacy organization that offers assistance to people with animal issues. Because ASK works directly with people in their environment, our perspective is unique. ASK looks for those animals in depressed situations: dogs on chains that weigh three times their body weight, infested with parasites, filthy from being kept outside throughout the year, often emaciated. Chained and hidden in backyards, some die during the bitter winters and are only found frozen to death days later, without anyone knowing. Try to imagine yourself living the life of a chained dog, for even just one day. Time slowly passes you by; your neck is sore from that heavy chain; you are dusty, dirty in the summer; flies cover your ears and head, swarming your small living space because of your excrement; the winter's temperatures freeze the little water and food you may be lucky enough to get (your human guardians don't like to come out in the cold), and you barely have enough energy to move. Freedom is never experienced on the end of a chain. The world is a harsh place when you are stuck in the same spot day in and day out, and they wonder why you bark, howl, act wild and beg for anyone's attention?

Dogs are domesticated, social companion animals, not lawn ornaments. What can be done to reduce animal cruelty? Enact stronger animal protection laws, and that is just what the city of Battle Creek has done. The tethering ordinance that was recently passed states that dogs cannot spend more than one continuous hour chained outside, and for no more than three hours a day; the tether cannot weigh more than 1/8 of the dog's weight, and must be at least 10 feet long. The ordinance addresses the issue of dogs who are chained 24 hours a day, seven days a week, neglected and forgotten. Dogs cannot run freely off their property, but rather must be contained by fences and walked on leashes throughout the day. The intent and purpose of this ordinance is to make dogs socialized members of the family by bringing them inside the house where they can receive the love and attention that they desire and deserve.

Dogs tethered for long periods can become highly aggressive. Dogs feel naturally protective of their territory, and when confronted with a perceived threat, they respond according to their fight-or-flight instinct. A chained dog, unable to take flight, often feels forced to fight, attacking any unfamiliar animal or person who unwittingly wanders into its territory. The facts add up; the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Humane Society of the United States, among numerous other credible sources, all conclude that chaining is bad for dogs and poses a preventable human safety risk.

Dogs aren't even safe when kept chained. In addition to the psychological damage wrought by continuous chaining, dogs forced to live on a chain make easy targets for other animals, humans and biting insects. Chained dogs are also easy targets for thieves looking to steal animals only to be used as training fodder for organized animal fights. Finally, dogs' tethers can become entangled with other objects, which can choke or strangle the dogs to death.

There are other options to chaining: 1. Keep your dog inside. Pets are responsibilities that require your time and attention. 2. Install an underground or above-ground fence. 3. Use a trolley-system when your dog is outside; they are lightweight and provide your dog with more free space. 4. Board your dog at an animal day care center while you are at work. 5. Find your dog a new home if you cannot accommodate him inside. Don't get a dog if you don't intend to make it a part of your family.

ASK can answer your questions on companion animal topics and will assist you in transitioning your pet inside. ASK continues to provide free straw and doghouses. Please contact Animal Control or ASK at 963-1637 to report neglected animals.

Sophia DiPietro is director of All Species Kinship.