A recently completed study entitled "The Public Safety and Humane Implications of Persistently Tethering Domestic Dogs" -- the result of a collaborative effort between Animal Protection of New Mexico and the Department of Public Safety -- is now available for public download. House Memorial 19, introduced in 2007 by New Mexico Representative Miguel García and approved by the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, requested the study be undertaken in response to changing public attitudes about the common practice of chaining dogs.
The report will help guide New Mexico's communities as they work to improve public safety and the plight of chained dogs. Animal Protection of New Mexico will use the report's findings to design its program that will address chaining. The report provides a detailed review of the practice of chaining, based on up-to-the-minute research. It examines the problem in terms of its effect on dogs, resultant human deaths and injuries, local animal control ordinances, state and national trends in tethering laws, and other substantive issues.
Animal Protection of New Mexico's program will involve working closely with communities across the state to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life for New Mexico's chained dogs by: teaching people that dogs are social beings who should not be isolated on chains; making behavioral training resources available; and helping people to find viable alternatives to chaining.
Stay tuned for more information soon!
