SPCA educates on chaining dogs

Benoni SPCA chairperson Shelley Owens, reiterated the organisation does not condone the chaining of animals.

She explained that while not ideal, there are exceptions made for the chaining of dogs, and the circumstances must be vetted by a senior inspector from the National Council of SPCAs.

“If your yard is not adequately fenced off, or there is no wall or gate, exceptions are made for a dog being on a chain,”Owens said.

She said the chain has to be a runner, the dog has to have access to water and food, it must have enough space, protection from the elements and there needs to be good ventilation.

“Should a dog be on a static chain, the SPCA will remove the dog.”

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Owens reiterated the Animal Protection Act is a South African law, not one made by the NSPCA.

“No matter how strongly many may feel about a chained dog, if there is no suffering and the conditions meet the requirements in line with the Act, and it is very clear that there is no cruelty, then the animal can’t be removed.”

She said every animal is entitled to the five freedoms recognised by animal welfare organisations across the world:

• Freedom from hunger and thirst (food and water).

• Freedom from discomfort (shelter).

• Freedom from pain, injury and disease (medical care).

• Freedom to express normal behaviour (exercise).

• Freedom from fear and distress (love and understanding).

Owens gave the City Times more insight into the challenges around chaining of dogs is in Benoni:

How prevalent is the chaining of dogs in Benoni?

It is extremely common – from the wealthier, middle class suburbs to the local townships where it is, sadly, very common.

How many dogs has the SPCA confiscated this year because of being chained up?

I cannot give you specific figures on dogs confiscated for chaining as invariably there are other reasons for confiscating. Roughly

speaking, though, it’s about three out of 10 complaints we attend to. Generally, we try to educate people on not chaining their dogs first, and then action

further if required, but there are circumstances such as when people do not have walls to contain the dog. In cases like this we suggest

what’s called a running chain (the SPCA movement do not agree with this method) where the dog is connected to a cord pegged in the ground of some meters apart adjoining another peg in the ground. A holding chain is connected via a collar. This at least gives the dog some movement for exercise, it can gain access to its kennel and drink water and reach its food. Some people just cordon off a piece of property, such as between boundary walls, which is barely big enough for the animal to turn around in, and this is wrong.

Why do people chain their dogs?

Mostly due to inadequate perimeter protection, such as fencing. Other factors include ignorance, fear of the animal, fear of the dog being stolen and the dog escaping the yard. Non-castrated dogs can smell a female on heat from a long distance and want to get to her. Huskies are notorious for getting out of the yard and just taking off. Some people chain their power-breed dogs, such as pit bull terriers, to avoid them fighting with each other.

What can owners do to avoid chaining their dogs?

There are always accidents when people leave gates open unintentionally and a dog wanting to explore will get out. Proper command training will help and some breeds need a lot of exercise, so regular walks or playing with the animal is good. Many people have a double gate on their driveway so when a visitor comes the dogs are locked in the rear of the property which minimises the risk of them running out of the gate.

Dog poisonings rife

Owens warned dog poisoning is rife all over Benoni.

“Whether you have a six feet wall and electric fencing or razor wire and cameras, criminals can still target your animals by throwing poisoned meat into the property.

Tips to avoid your dog being poisoned:

• Keep dogs in the back of the property as this lessens the risk of them being poisoned.

• Keep dogs inside at night.

• Let them have regular supervised toilet walks before bed – do not leave your dog to explore on their own as this is when tragedy can

strike.

•Keep local vets’ emergency numbers on hand so that you can act quickly.

• Check your property for suspicious items of food (meat). If you find any, remove it with gloves and dispose of it safely in the

bin or toilet, or take the package to a vet or the SPCA for safe disposal.