Leaving your pets out for too long in the cold or heat? Uncool!

Via the American Human Society:
Humane Society does not recommend chaining or tying dogs up as a means of confinement. Chaining and tying can increase frustrated and aggressive behavior. As well, chained or tied dogs can become tangled in their chain or rope and become injured. A chained dog is unprotected and can be attacked by other animals or people.

If such an establishment, which frequently euthanizes animals, considers being tied outside an unacceptable means of caretaking, then I suspect there is no argument for it. To be clearer: If even the butcher isn't happy with how the animal got there, there must be something seriously wrong with the process.
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If you leave it tied outside for long periods of time (esp. with little space, food, shelter and water or in unpleasant weather) it is definitely animal abuse. Leaving a dog tied up for long periods of time causes stress and boredom in the animals. It also leaves them more exposed to fleas, insect bites, abuse from other people, and unpleasant weather conditions. Also, leashes can cause blisters and sores around the dog's neck to loosen it up a bit or even better yet, get a fence.

However, if you must leave your dog our, provide it with a lot of space (depending on your dog's energy levels and size), food, fresh water, and a good shelter. Try to get a fence and skip the leash too if possible. And even if you do all of that, make sure to bring your dog in regularly to clean him, provide him with affection and exercise your dog on a daily basis (to reduce stress and boredom and bond better with your dog).

My suggestion is taking your dog to an "animal daycare" if you still plan on leaving it tied up outside for long periods of time because of whatever reason.


Below is a list of resources for making a complaint if you do see an animal left outside unprotected to the weather. It IS against the law to chain your pets up outsidie or leave them outside for long periods exposed to any type of inclement weather, whether is is extreme cold, rain or heat.

Mayors Action Center:   
317-327-4622
7:30-5:30 M-F
They will forward to Animal Care and Control
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OR
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F.I.D.O
Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside
317-592-9616