Companion Animal Welfare  Tethering/Chaining of Dogs  Tethering
a dog refers to the restraint and confinement by the use of a
chain, rope or any other similar device. This practice of
chaining or fastening dogs to a stationary object or stake
usually occurs in a person’s backyard as a way of keeping a dog
out of the house if he or she has gotten too large, sheds too
much, barks, isn’t house-trained, or is destructive when left
alone.  In some places, tethering is an old habit and still too-
common practice, especially with hunting and sled dogs. However,
in at least seven Massachusetts communities, and others around
the country, there are limits and other contraints on tethering.
Tethering does not refer to the periods when a dog is walked on
a leash.  Tethering a dog can be inhumane, and can also threaten
the safety of the dog and the public. Furthermore, though some
people tether dogs for protection – or because they like the
‘guard dog’ image – the dogs would provide more protection
inside the house with th