Protect dogs, residents from unattended chaining

We’ve all seen them: “Man’s best friend” chained out in backyards their entire lives, pacing back and forth on a small piece of dirt, day in and day out, in all types of weather conditions.

We’ve all heard them: “Man’s best friend” barking incessantly from boredom, lack of companionship, lack of exercise or an empty water bowl. Or perhaps tangled up and unable to reach food or shelter. In many cases, there is no adequate care by a veterinarian. Many vets will attest to this, including problems such as embedded collars. Out of sight, out of mind.

Fortunately, Buncombe County has an organization willing to build fences for eligible residents and give “man’s best friend” a life of freedom. You don’t know what you’re missing until you witness a dog running free for the first time without chains. ChainFree Asheville has built more than 125 fences and educated numerous owners since 2008.

However, the time has come to adopt a new and more enforceable ordinance that protects not only the dog but our residents as well from the negative effects of unattended chaining. Statistics have shown that most permanently chained dogs eventually become aggressive and are 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog.

Marilyn Walker
Black Mountain

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