One of the greatest travesties that we can inflict on another species is to bring home a pet and chain it in our backyard. The animal belongs to the household but is not part of the household. It is forever looking at the people that have abandoned it.
The backyard dog is a symbol that the human race lacks the humanity and compassion to be pet owners. When I see a dog chained in its backyard, I side with PETA on their view of pet ownership. Pets should become a part of our family circle, not exist for our amusement.
One of the most common calls that animal services receive in the winter is to conduct welfare checks on backyard dogs. In too many cases, the calls are warranted and the animal is found without water, food, or protection from the cold. Winter isn’t the only season of concern; when temperatures are high, a dog needs plenty of water and shade from the heat.