European Commission: Ban the chaining of dogs in the EU!

This petition was created by Occupy for Animals and has been submitted to the European Parliament for official registration.

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In 2012, keeping dogs chained is unfortunately still an all too common practice in many European countries.

Kept "out of sight, out of mind" in the back yard or as a guard dog to alarm his/her owner when someone comes, chained dogs are forced to live chained up their entire life.  

Chained dogs are often deprived of adequate food, water, and veterinary care, in addition to having their emotional and social needs completely ignored. Most are denied proper shelter. Some have old rusty barrels for dog house, or even no barrels or any protection at all. Their shelters do not give any protection to bad weather and they are like ovens during the summer months providing no relief from the scorching sun. Countless chained dogs have frozen to death during cold snaps or died of heatstroke on sweltering summer days.

Chained dogs are also totally vulnerable to other animals and cruel people, and many chained dogs have been stolen, set on fire, shot, stabbed, tortured, or poisoned by cruel passers-by or neighbours who were annoyed by their barking.

Chaining a dog – there couldn't be a crueller punishment for these social pack animals who want - and deserve – only one thing: companionship.



Given these cruel living conditions, it's no surprise that chained dogs often become aggressive and attack children or other people who approach them. Chained dogs are more likely to bite because they are usually unsocialized; their living space is reduced to a few square meters, which heightens their territoriality; and they don't have the option of escaping during a confrontation.

No modern, civilized country in Europe should have chained dogs and we ask the European Commission to ban this practice in all countries member of the European Union.

Given the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, clearly states:

Chapter II – Principles for the keeping of pet animals

Article 3 – Basic principles for animal welfare 

1. Nobody shall cause a pet animal unnecessary pain, suffering or distress

we ask the Council of Europe to ensure that countries that have signed the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals punish people that chain their dog(s) as it clearly is an 'unnecessary pain, a suffering and a distress' for the chained companion animal.


This petition will be delivered to:
  • Council of Europe
  • Chair of the Committee on Petitions at the European Parliament

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