Ordinance Could Prevent Dogs from Being Chained

Detroit’s Animal Control Department says dogs need to be social.

Detroit’s Animal Care and Control Department wants to ban long-term tethering of pets.

The proposed ordinance would ban pet owners from keeping dogs isolated for long periods of time by chaining them in backyards or keeping them in cages.

Animal Care Administrator Kelly McLaughlin says it’s important for dogs to interact frequently with other animals and people.

“Resident dogs, 24/7 chained dogs potentially used for protection or breeding, they don’t get adequate daily socialization or care,” McLaughlin says. “76.2 percent of dog bites nationally are due to these residents dogs.”

McLaughlin says the department is adamant about working with the community to keep animals from being isolated.

City Council will vote on the proposed ordinance next week. 

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