Chain Letter

Sometimes I meet people with a smile and a "Hello!". And sometimes, it's just through faceless correspondence...

February 17, 2010

Dear Neighbor,

I am writing out of concern for your dog’s welfare. I have noticed that he is often, if not always, chained to the tree in your yard, with sparse shelter and rare social interaction.

You may not be aware, but chaining as a means of confinement has been illegal in Athens-Clarke County since November 7, 2007. Section 4-1-2(b) reads, in pertinent part:

It shall be unlawful for any owner of a domestic animal to chain, tie, fasten or otherwise tether the animal to dog houses, trees, fences, vehicles or other stationary objects as a means of confinement except that the animal may be temporarily confined by a tether.

The best environment for dogs is to live in the home. If this is not possible, ACC Animal Control recommends an outdoor pen, with proper shelter, food, and water. Finally, if you feel that you cannot properly care for your animal, you may want to call the Athens Area Humane Society at 706-353-2287.

I hope that this situation will be remedied in the next few days, or ACC Animal Control may have to be called on behalf of your dog.

Thank you.

Was it too lawyerish? I'm losing the ability to tell. But I simply couldn't sleep without pointing them to the right provision of the municipal code!

On my way back from class later that afternoon, the dog was no longer outside. Let's hope this is a happy ending. :)