Ban chained dogs
Letter
Published: Monday, December 17, 2007

Most readers were probably disgusted to read that someone could be so heartless as to throw a puppy into a trash bin to die.

Yet in our own neighbourhoods, hundreds of puppies are tied to chains in backyards and left to live and die miserably, while our animal welfare and municipal governments do nothing to help them. We drive and walk past these poor creatures every day and simply turn the other way.

The law reads that, if an animal has shelter from the blistering sun or freezing rain (that's what they call a worthless plywood box), water (that's what they call an empty dish or block of ice) and food, then our animal protection societies can legally do nothing to help them.

If the person who left this puppy to die is found and prosecuted, then rightfully our city councils and animal welfare officials should also be punished for their inaction.

Foster a simple act of decency and ban chained dogs.

Rick Auger, New Westminster