It should be no surprise that my friend Joan is the regional rep for Dogs Deserve Better, http://www.dogdeservebetter.com/. I don't think its possible to be an advocate for the animals without addressing this issue.
Yesterday I noticed on the society website there is a new release entitled "Give Me Shelter" http://www.spcans.ca/news/Press_Releases/20081124.htm . This is a very real issue here in NS and this article is a step in the right direction.
Personally, I don't believe that companion animals should be housed outdoors. ( Although feral cats do fall under a separate category, and need outdoor shelter. For great examples of what can be done for humane housing for feral kitties, go have a look at the great ones Pierre ( aka Pierre's Alley Cat Society )has built http://www.nshomelesspets.com/tnr01.htm
In NB and Nfld, the provincial SPCA's have had a campaign called "Start a Chain Reaction" to oppose the chaining and penning of dogs.
From the NB SPCA website:
Start A Chain Reaction
Dogs, just like human beings who get locked up for no reason, will get mean and bitter.
-- Dr. Roger Mugford, Vancouver Sun, April 28, 2003Across North America communities are taking action to limit the number of hours a dog can be tied up outside. Municipalities in more than half of the 50 states in the U.S. now have "chained dog" laws and North Vancouver has recently passed by-laws pertaining to the chaining of dogs. However, New Brunswick dogs do not enjoy this kind of protection. While the provincial SPCA act requires dog owners to provide adequate food, water, shelter and care, nothing in the act protects dogs from being kept outdoors on a chain. The New Brunswick SPCA is launching a public education and awareness campaign to call attention to the plight of chained dogs across our province. The "Start a Chain Reaction" program is intended to give individuals the information, materials and moral support they need to act on behalf of dogs in their communities. The campaign has been made possible by a grant to the Fredericton SPCA from the McGrand Trust Fund and by private donations. The McGrand Trust Fund gave an additional $1,000 to support the project in 2006. If you would like to receive a free information package, please contact us by mail, email, phone or by fax.
Mail:New Brunswick SPCAP.O. Box 1412, Station AFredericton, NB E3B 5E3
Email:spca@nbnet.nb.ca
Phone:506-458-8208
Fax:506-458-8209Click on the links below for more information, frequently asked questions, resources and downloads.
Start A Chain Reaction - Main
Frequently Asked Questions
21 Things You Can Do to Help
Do you chain your dog? These guidelines will ensure your dog is safe and comfortable.
News & Media
Downloads - "Chained Dog" Material
Start A Chain Reaction Desktop Art and Other Advertising Downloads
Other Resourceful Websites
Help spread the word. Tell A Friend About This Site
From the Newfoundland SPCA website:Start a Chain Reaction Campaign
The SPCA is addressing three main issues facing dogs in our communities:
1. Chained Dogs - they are three times more likely to bite; they live their lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year on the end of ropes or chains. They become bored,lonely, and frustrated which leads to anger and aggression.
2. Backyard Breeders - these people breed dogs regardless of their health and temperment. They want to make MONEY! THese dogs are sold without contract to anyone who has the cash.
3. Penned dogs - many dogs particularly hunting dogs such as beagles are living in inhumane living conditions without adequate food, water or shelter and are kept in wire cages for long periods of time without exercise or veterinary care.Education is an important part of the SPCA mandate. Through educating dog owners and encouraging legislative change,(anti-tethering laws, regulation of breeders and humane treatment laws), we feel many problems associated with our canine friends will be solved.
We are encouraging supporters to sign our petition Write letters to your munipalities and to local papers. Call radio talk shows, tell family and friends, and report cases of neglect to the SPCA.
Together we can make a difference
At the end of the day, it all boils down to the legal definition of companion animals. All protective federal legislation on behalf of the animals currently falls under the property section of the Canadian Criminal Code. Animal advocates from the CFHS http://www.cfhs.ca/ down are all pressing to have a new and separate section of the Criminal Code created in recognition of the simple fact that as living breathing sentient beings, animals must be protected in a different way.
Until then, there will be those who maintain they have the legal right to do what they want with their property.
Every good change that is done at the provincial level is undermined by the simple fact that animals are legally property. Untenable legal defenses are permitted because of this. It enables chaining and penning and neglect and abuse.
This definition has polarized those concerned with the animals, like a line drawn in the schoolyard. On one side are the businesses whose livelihood hinges upon the sale of animals and those who are unwilling to properly care for their animals. On the other side are the humane groups and concerned members of the animal loving community.
Breeders fall into both groups. There are wonderful breeders who adore their dogs and lavish them with love and encouragement. Their lucky animals are part of the family and are only ever bred after an exacting round of medical clearances are done. Then there are the others, ranging from the backyard breeders to the big commercial farm breeders to the hardheaded individuals who are afraid that any change in the law will negatively affect their ability to do business.
The choices that we make define us. The use of scare tactics by some show dog enthusiasts to oppose certain sections of Bill 186 is unfortunate... as there will be many kind hearted folks sitting on the same side of the fence as the puppy mills and backyard breeders. Somehow I suspect thats not where they meant to be.
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