Dogs (like people) are social animals, yet more than 200,000 dogs live empty lives chained or tethered outdoors. Tied-up outside, dogs become lonely, bored, and anxious, and they can develop aggressive behaviors. Bring a dog inside (or help a chained dog in your neighborhood) and you’ll keep everyone safer.
Some people believe that dogs should live outside to protect a home or property. Dogs are also put outside because they display behaviors that challenge their families. In practice, chaining threatens the dog's health and well-being and the safety other animals and humans.
As communities learn about the negative impact of chaining or tethering dogs, many have begun passing laws against long-term chaining. Learn how to educate and mobilize your neighbors, free a chained dog, and prevent more dogs from suffering a sad, solitary life on a chain. What you can do »
Our Guide to Helping Chained Dogs »
News & Events
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April 24, 2012
Animal Advocates Gather at Delaware Capitol to Lobby for Animal Protection
Citizens from across Delaware participating in Humane Lobby Day 2012 met with lawmakers at the Capitol to urge them to pass legislation that will significantly impact animals.
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July 15, 2011
For Pet Owners: Weekend Throwback
A video from our vaults shows that styles may change, but the basics of being a responsible pet owner are timeless.
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April 28, 2011
Pennsylvania Legislature Launches Animal Protection Caucuses
Pennsylvania lawmakers and animal advocates celebrated the launch of House and Senate Animal Protection Caucuses, bipartisan groups of legislators who will work to advance animal protection legislation in the state.
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April 12, 2011
Animal Advocates Lobby Pennsylvania Lawmakers for Animal Welfare Legislation
Animal advocates from across the state will rally Tuesday at the state capitol in Harrisburg to urge their legislators to enact stronger animal protection laws for 2011Pennsylvania Humane Lobby Day. At the event, citizen advocates will urge their legislators to strengthen laws related to banning pigeon shoots and increasing protections for dogs.
Our Victories
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March 29, 2012
Discount Pet Supply Converts to Adoptions-Only Model; Takes The HSUS’ ‘Puppy Friendly’ Pledge
Discount Pet Supply, located in Salem, N.H., has signed The Humane Society of the United States' Puppy Friendly Pet Stores pledge, and has converted to adopting out homeless puppies instead of selling commercially raised dogs.
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February 17, 2012
Oklahoma Court Rejects Constitutional Challenge to the State’s New Puppy Mill Law
The Humane Society of the United States applauds a decision by District Judge Jonathan Sullivan upholding Oklahoma’s commercial dog breeding statute and rejecting breeders’ claims that the statute and accompanying rules are unconstitutional. The law, enacted in 2010, creates a licensing and inspection process, as well as minimum standards of care, for commercial pet breeders in Oklahoma.
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February 17, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Applauds Brick Township, N.J. for Taking Action Against Pet Store’s Alleged Cruelty
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December 28, 2010
Top 12 State Victories for Animals in 2010
Thanks to the help of our dedicated advocates and the support of state legislators, 2010 was another historic year for animals in state lawmaking.