Dog Bite Prevention Week
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May 18-24 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. One of the surest ways to create a dangerous dog is to chain it to a tree or doghouse and leave it to pace the same patch of dirt for years on end. Though most people find the notion of chaining a dog for its life abhorrent, many people in our community still resort to the "easy way out" when it comes to caring for their dog.
Sadly, what makes for a lonely, agonizing existence for the dog also creates a dangerous situation for our children. Hundreds of children are killed or seriously maimed every year by chained dogs. Dogs are social animals. When kept chained and isolated from their "pack," dogs become pathologically protective of their sad patch of land. Many become aggressive time bombs - infested with parasites and frustrated into madness from a lack of socialization, kindness and exercise. Too often, children looking just to "pet the doggy" pay the price.
Because of the safety (and humanitarian) considerations, lawmakers across the country are finally enacting reasonable laws that forbid people from chaining a dog for its life. It is time for Fairfax County to follow the national trend and end this antiquated practice. Learn more at www.dogsdeservebetter.org and www.mothersagainstdogchaining.org.
Lisa C. Compton
Virginia Representative, Dogs Deserve Better
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