E-Mail to the Assembly Members

Posted by animalrescue

Posted: November 14, 2008 - 2:38 pm

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Because the comment section is too limited...I thought I would blog my e-mail the the Assembly members. Understand, I spoke MY opinion and from my heart...

Hello...
My name is Carol L. Hawn-Miller. I am a rescuer with Kitty and K-9 Connection and an Animal Advocate.

Since early September, several individuals have collectively and individually been trying to assist a Pit-Bull that is chained to a tree with limited or no shelter. Animal Control has been called numerous times, yet the dog's situation has not substantially improved. Please read the ADN Animal Rescue blog (http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/blog/66334) which discusses the ongoing efforts on behalf of this dog. During a telephone conversation with Myra Wilson (manager at Animal Control) yesterday, I was informed that everyone should contact their Assembly members if there are any further concerns about this dog. That recommendation was also e-mailed from Animal Control to another individual...it was posted on the blog. Based on Animal Control's recommendation, I am contacting each of you to request your assistance on behalf of this dog and many other animals in our local area that live in substandard conditions.

As I am sure you are aware, Anchorage has been making efforts to improve their Animal Cruelty and Neglect laws...thus Title 17. All efforts to improve animal care are very appreciated. Unfortunately interpretations of Title 17 vary. This situation is a perfect example. Title 17 states:
C. An animal owner or custodian shall maintain an animal in a manner that allows
the animal freedom of movement to obtain adequate fresh food, water, and
shelter from inclement weather. Shelter must include appropriate space, heat,
ventilation, sanitary conditions, and shelter from wind, temperatures, precipitation
and sun conditions, consistent with the animal's breed, size, age, and species.
Animal Control has performed animal welfare checks on this dog and have deemed a plastic airline kennel with a blanket inside was sufficient housing for this dog according to Title 17...where is the "heat". The dog remains on a short chain, tied to a tree, 24 hours per day/7 days a week, no matter the weather conditions. This is a short-haired dog. Several times I have checked on him to find the blanket was drug out into the snow and frozen. The airline kennel had apparently caught on his chain and was turned so he could not use it as shelter or his chain was wrapped around the tree so tight that he could not reach the kennel if the opening was accessible. His water and food bowls were scattered across the yard and the water was frozen. On our last really snowy day, his shelter consisted of the tree he was chained to...the airline kennel was not accessible. He was curled in a tight ball on the ground, shivering and trying to keep warm. I called Animal Control and filed a complaint. Today the conditions remain much the same...he is still there on the same chain, hooked to the same tree and trying to keep warm.

We need your help to improve our animal cruelty and neglect laws. Please be a voice for chained and penned dogs. DOGS DESERVE BETTER is a non-profit organization who has been successful in helping States develop legislation for the betterment of animals. Their web-site is: www.dogsdeservebetter.com To allow our local dogs to live as prisoners, chained by the neck, neglected, ignored and freezing is inhumane. You have the ability to make a difference for these animals. I am personally asking you to help us improve Title 17 so there are more stringent animal ownership requirements. Let's make it NOT okay to chain a dog for life. They deserve better...appropriate care and respect. Please enforce the "Animal Welfare Act" here in Anchorage. Too many of our animals suffer due to neglect and owner irresponsibility. You can make the difference.

For additional information, the Humane Society of the United States has "The Facts About Chaining or Tethering Dogs" on their web-site at http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/animal_abuse_and_neglect/the_facts_about_chaining_or_tethering_dogs.html
Both web-sites (Dogs Deserve Better and The Humane Society) stress that a dog chained or tethered for long periods of time become highly aggressive. (This has been true with the Pit-Bull we have been trying to assist since early September. He used to be sweet and friendly, but his personality is changing negatively. As I understand it, he has bitten and now there is a "Beware of Dog" sign posted on the fence beside him.) Nationwide numerous attacks on people (mostly children) have been documented...a large percentage of those attacks were by tethered/chained dogs. These dogs are the product of the lack of care and the neglect they suffer. Maybe animal issues are not a high priority for your agenda (realizing you are very busy). If nothing else, please consider the safety of our local residents...which should be a high priority.

The Assembly has the capability of making a difference for our local neglected animals. We are counting on you and appreciate your time and attention to this very important problem. Please help us alleviate animal cruelty and neglect here in Anchorage.

Thank you!!!

Carol L. Hawn-Miller
Animal Advocate

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