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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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.
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February 11, 2011
Hawaii’s Humane Advocates Lobby for Animals at State Capitol
Animal advocates from across the state rallied at the state capitol in Honolulu for Humane Lobby Day 2011, sponsored by The HSUS and co-hosted by the Hawaiian, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island Humane Societies.
Our Victories
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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.
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December 16, 2010
Austin City Council Prohibits Retail Sales of Dogs and Cats
The Austin, Texas, City Council has approved an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, a measure that will help crack down on inhumane puppy mills.
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December 6, 2010
Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dog Breeding Regulations as Unconstitutional
The HSUS applauds a decision by the Federal District Court in Florida upholding Volusia County’s animal care ordinance, and rejecting the plaintiff’s claim that dog breeders have a constitutional right to operate free from humane regulations.
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November 4, 2010
Missouri Veterinarians Celebrate Victory for Dogs
Missouri veterinarians are joining with voters from throughout the state in celebrating the passage of Proposition B, a statewide ballot initiative to establish basic standards of care for dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities.