SPCA says… Have a Heart for a Chained Dog
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tshwane, has recently embarked on a project – “Sponsor a Kennel”, to alleviate the suffering of dogs, that have no shelter or protection from the weather, and at the same time, tied to a short chain or wire, which restricts their movement, for a lifetime!
A total of 24 small and large second-hand kennels were made available to the general public to sponsor via a donation.
“The SPCA Tshwane would like to thank all the residents who have sponsored kennels for these dogs, to better their living conditions. These sponsored kennels are taken to rural areas, as dogs are identified that has no shelter, or any other form of protection against the weather”, says Elsa Daniels, spokesperson for SPCA Tshwane.
“Whilst delivering the kennels, it was found that many of these dogs were tied to short chains and /or wires,” she said.
“The SPCA Tshwane takes chaining and caging of animals very seriously´ says SPCA Tshwane Inspector Keshvi Nair. “If an animal is observed to be kept on a chain, a warning is issued, and the owner is educated. Failing to comply with instructions to either release the animal, or place it on a running chain, may result in charges brought against the owner under the Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962“ she says.
“I implore citizens that do not want their dogs or cannot control their dogs, to bring the animal to the Society, rather than place it on any chain. People should consider how it feels to be isolated in one place – for a lifetime, before condemning an animal to a life in chains,” she said.
According to Inspector Nair, people chain dogs for various reasons, which include, but are not limited to the following:
- In rural areas, dogs are chained because there are not any solid walls or gates in which the dog can be safely kept inside the property. The houses mostly have wire gates/fences, which dogs can easily jump over and escape from. Therefore, most of the time, the owners chain them, to prevent them from running away or jumping walls.
- Another reason people chain animals, is because they do not want the animal messing the yard/digging plants/running into the house etc.
- People can no longer control their animals. They fantasize about having large breeds such as Pit bulls, Boerboels, Bullmastiffs etc. These are power breed animals. Once they are not small puppies anymore, they become difficult to handle – if they have not been trained. These animals are then chained. This usually refers to “animals that are aggressive”.
“The SPCA Tshwane opposes the chaining of dogs. Chaining a dog, deprives the animal from its natural right to freedom of movement, is cruel and causes mental and physical suffering, which may lead to the death of the dog. It is best that a dog not be chained – as it will not have the ability to develop or function normally – mentally or physically. The dog cannot protect itself from the elements, or defend itself,” she says.
Leaving an animal on a chain unnecessarily is what causes the animal to stress – it exacerbates aggression, the animal is unable to express natural behaviour, it prevents the animal from being able to escape/protect itself from different danger elements such as the weather, or even if another animal is attacking it, etc.
Dogs that are chained incorrectly sometimes causes the water bowl to be tipped over, which results in them being unable to reach water or their shelter, or the chain begins to embed itself in the animal’s neck.
Different types of chains are used to tie up dogs, such as light and heavyweight chains, ropes, wires and a variety of different unacceptable restraints. These restraints are generally attached to the dog’s collars, but often are fastened directly onto the necks. Sometimes due to tight fitting, or the animal’s natural growth, the chain ends up being so tight; it cuts deep into the throat, causing severe pain and infection.
The SPCA Tshwane appeals to the public, to not chain their animals!
Waltloo Branch Centurion Branch
Tel 012 – 803 5219 Tel 012 – 664 5644
Emergency Telephone Number Emergency Telephone Number
(After hours) (After hours)
083 453 3863 082 807 5671
Email address for general enquiries: admin@spcapta.org.za