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Anniston’s Dog Problems

Friday, October 4, 2013

During a working session held at City Hall on October 3, 2013, Anniston’s city leaders, a handful of experts and law enforcement officials, a couple of members of the Animal Welfare Task Force, and concerned citizens frankly discussed numerous problems regarding dog ownership in our community. Among the topics were concerns about perceived problems regarding tethering dogs, responsible dog ownership, and a lack of enforcement of numerous existing city ordinances and State of Alabama laws.

Mindy Gilbert, an animal rights lobbyist and the state director for The Humane Society of the United States, started off the meeting by listing the numerous veterinarian and other organizations that have determined that tethering dogs, which involves connecting the dog by a chain or other device to a fixed object, is abusive and injurious. In support of her statistics, I mentioned two studies that gave credence to those opinions. They include a study done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School and one conducted at the University of Parma in Italy. Both of these studies explained why confining dogs with tethers enhances aggressiveness.

Based upon this, I also pointed out that two existing Alabama laws already make tethering a crime. These are Title 13A-11-14 (Cruelty to Animals) and Title 2-15-113 (Use of sticks, whips, chains, etc., in livestock markets). Based upon the consensus among several organizations, to include the American Veterinarian Association, that tethering is inhumane, the applicability of the first law should be unquestioned. However, the second law clearly establishes that tethering is cruel and unnecessary with the exception of extreme situations. Therefore, tethering dogs is already a crime and further ordinances are unnecessary. This led to further discussion regarding the failure to enforce many of the existing city ordinances involving animal welfare and public protection issues. Mayor Vaughn Stewart mentioned the need to perform a comprehensive review of existing ordinances and laws, as well as looking into enforcement. He also claimed that enforcement is resource driven and costly. The lack of enforcement gives city residents the mistaken belief that their activities are lawful.

There were several other topics brought up by the attendees. Two members of the new Animal Welfare Task Force discussed numerous issues regarding responsible dog ownership and problems related to fatalities. Councilmen David Reddick and Jay Jenkins, both who admitted that they regularly and justifiably tether their dogs, brought up the need for better public education regarding responsible dog ownership, community and subdivision restrictions on fencing, and the need to slowly implement any tightening of tethering restrictions.

Additionally, two men, both Anniston residents who claimed to be experienced Pit Bull breeders, saw no reason for increased rules or restrictions. One claimed that his young children regularly play with his multiple tethered Pit Bulls. He also stated that he padlocks his dogs to their chains so that local “crack heads” would not steal them. Later Councilwoman Millie Harris, a strong animal rights activist, pointed out that breeding Pit Bulls in the Anniston city limits violates existing city ordinances and therefore unlawful. No further response was made by the two men.

As an experienced dog trainer, who has trained or supervised the training of numerous large and small dog breeds, while respecting the political process and sensibilities, I have little tolerance regarding tethering dogs. Many of the justifications for tethering ignore the massive evidence to the contrary and reveal a strong need for better education when it comes to making a decision to become a dog owner. Furthermore, locally there is a an epidemic-like tendency for the ill-prepared potential owner to adopt a “macho” breed, such as a Pit Bull, Doberman Pincher, Great Dane, or Boxer, without fully understanding their responsibility in regards to proper socializing, training, and providing a proper living environment. Expert opinions clearly show that the lack of understanding on the part of the dog owner too often leads to the development of aggressive behavior in the dog and other behavioral problems, such as the destruction of property, neglect, and human fatalities. Almost 99% of dog behavioral problems, such as failure to housetrain, biting, chewing, and aggression, can be attributed to a lack of knowledge and responsibility by humans. (Over the years I have found that the dogs of the breeds mentioned above are extremely intelligent and once properly trained can be obedient, loyal, and lovable members of anyone’s family.)

A person thinking about adopting dog must carefully consider the dog’s needs prior to making that decision. This is especially true when it comes to the larger breeds due to potential destructiveness and the greater consequences of unwanted aggressive behaviors. This makes socialization and training a must. If the potential owner is not willing to provide this – and an adequate living arrangement – they absolutely must forgo adopting such a dog or puppy. Also, these breeds, which are normally classified as working or herding dogs, require considerable human contact, purpose, and exercise. Substituting the failure to consider these requirements with alternatives such as tethering is unacceptable – regardless if you are referring to temporary or continuous tethering.

This article is by Tim Brunson, the online editor for WDNG.net.

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Keywords: Pit Bulls, Doberman Pincher, Boxer, Millie Harris, Anniston, AL

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