Dogs Deserve Better, an anti-tethering group, is in need of photos for its 2010 calendar. If you’re a guardian, foster parent or rescuer of a formerly chained or penned dog(s), read on:

Calling for Calendar Photos

DDB is once again calling for photo entries for the 2010 Dogs Deserve Better Calendar!!

Please send (happy) after photos of rescued formerly chained or penned dogs along with before photos (if possible) in high resolution.

Send your entries to dogs [at] dogsdeservebetter.org

All entries are needed by September 10, 2009

I apologize for the late notice – it’s been a busy few weeks.

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Photo via jadean on Flickr.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare dogs deserve better ddb dog canine pet companion animal animal companion flickr photos calendar contest chaining tethering

The anti-chaining group Dog Deserve Better has been holding an an annual Chain-Off, on or around July 4th, since 2004. This year, the Chain-Off will take place June 27 through July 12.

Just what is a “Chain-Off,” you ask?

Chain Off has been held annually around the 4th of July since 2003, highlighting the reality that while Americans are celebrating their own freedom, there are tens of thousands of Man’s Best Friends in every state who are still not free: America’s chained and penned dogs. These dogs are found in backyards stretching from Delaware to Alaska, from Maine to Hawaii, throughout the provinces of Canada, and in countries around the world.

Chain Off has evolved from one woman chaining herself to a doghouse in 2003 for 33 hours, to 85 people chaining themselves in 23 states during last year’s 2008 Chain Off to raise awareness for chained dogs.

This year help us blow last year’s 85 total out of the water by chaining yourself in your own backyard, your neighborhood, a local park, or with us in South Carolina! Join up ‘in packs’ to make a local event of it, or take it low-key in a one-woman or one-man show in your own backyard. However it works for you, it’s ok by us! We’ve got more excitement than ever, with a large event in S. Carolina where activists will be chained, and new ways to fundraise in groups or on your own. We’d like to see over 100 people, and at least one from EVERY SINGLE STATE, living chained to doghouses sometime during the week from June 27th through July 7th. We can do it! You can do it!

In addition to being our biggest awareness campaign of the year, this is also our biggest fundraising event of the year, last year raising over $33,000 for our work with chained and penned dogs. $33,000? Let’s blow that out of the water this year too, with a goal of $60,000 raised during Chain Off! Be part of it! You can fundraise even if you’re not going to live chained to the doghouse…join an online fundraising ‘team’ in your state, start your own fundraising page, and make it happen.

We intended to do Chain Off in Denver, Colorado this year, but were asked by Denver Kills Dogs to stand in solidarity with them in a boycott of Denver. While we had been planning to use the opportunity to protest their pit bill ban, we decided it would be right for us to pull out of Denver. Hence a time crunch to find another location!

Given that we had so little time and needed on the ground help, we approached friend and founder of local anti-chaining organization Pawsitive Effects Mikael Hardy, and are chaining off in her neck of the woods so we can collaborate. Mikael was one of the 11 participantes in our 2006 Chain Off who spent days chained to doghouses hoping to win a new car, and took her passion for the cause to new levels!

We’d like to invite all the up and coming local Anti-Chaining organizations to Chain Off with us; this show of coordination and solidarity will take our cause even further!

Whether you are part of an organization or an individual animal advocate, we’d love for you to travel there to be chained with us, or set yourself up in your neighborhood, town, or your own backyard! We accommodate all participants, in whatever way works for you.

Make sure to visit our Chain Off Home Page and fill out the registration form to get you started. Special thanks to Susan Hartland, DDB Seattle Rep, for her diligent work in obtaining not only one but two Chain Off locations this year!

Chain Off Attire, with this gorgeous logo donated by DaftGeneration.com, will make the perfect 4th of July shirt this year! Gets yours at our cafepress store.

If the idea of chaining yourself to a dog house in the heat of July doesn’t appeal to you (and here, I should stop to note that it isn’t exactly a party for dogs similarly chained, either), you can make a donation to DDB, or sign on as a Team Sponsor for $100. And, naturally, there’s all that cool Chain-Off 2009 gear to be had!

In addition to the annual Chain-Off, DDB has also launched a “Dog-A-Day Summer Rescue Challenge”:

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us…and dogs will languish, suffer, even die in the heat.

DDB has a unique challenge this summer: Let’s Rescue a Chained or Penned Dog a Day! That’s 90 Chained or Penned Dogs in need of foster and vet care, not to mention new, inside, loving homes and families. Can we do it?

DDB founder Tamira Thayne explains the challenge, as well as her contribution in rescuing two dogs in one day, in this You Tube video:

Tamira reports,

Dogs #2, 3. Tamira Thayne, DDB founder, PA, had no sooner taken her pledge on June 3rd to rescue and foster two formerly chained or penned female dogs during the campaign than she rescued two formerly chained or penned female dogs the very next day! Both from Somerset County, PA, Kayta is a lab/shepherd mix, five years old, who she was told was living chained but was in a pen when she got there, and Shaggy (name will change) an 11-month old tiny terrier mix who’d already had one puppy and had the full boobies to prove it! To adopt either Katya or Shaggy, visit the adoption page.

You follow DDB’s progress – and, of course, make a donation to help with the vet bills – on the Dog a Day ’09 page. As of June 12th, they’d succeeded in rescuing twenty dogs, including one from Kansas City, Missouri (my neck of the woods).

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals dog canine pet companion animal chained dog animal companion tethering anti-tethering anti-chaining events chain-off animal rescue youtube video

Sadly, Texas SB 634 – reported on below – failed. In a email from 4/28/09, DDB reports:

Everything’s Bigger in Texas…Including Disappointment

Tamira Ci Thayne journeyed to Texas to testify for Senate Bill (SB) 634, a bill in the Texas legislature to strengthen the state’s current anti-chaining law. The bill would have prohibited a person from leaving a dog alone on a chain or tether. It would also require a minimum of 150 square feet of space for a dog being kept in an outdoor enclosure. However, the bill was thrown out in committee. Approximately 15 people who wanted to continue chaining their dogs showed up to speak, stating things like: “I have champion pit bulls, who LOVE it on the end of the chain. Yes, they are happy.”

And “We don’t allow our four year old to go within the circle made by our dog’s chain, because we know what could happen (wait, isn’t that proving OUR point?)”

And “Chaining is actually a very appropriate way to keep your dog, and the safest way…”

Now, if you think this all is a load of crap, then you HAVE to start showing up for your state and local legislation efforts! Right now the opposition, who doesn’t really have a leg to stand on, is winning because we aren’t showing up.

Therefore, the state passed last session remains in force, and this line is what allows people to continue chaining despite seeming time limits:

UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG. (a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement:

Huh? Who’s to say what unreasonably limits the movements?

Texas Dogs Deserve Better Representatives are shaking off the upset and are ready to work with Texas communities using the state law, which is only a base guideline, to strengthen individual city ordinances against 24/7 chaining of backyard dogs. Tamira Ci Thayne then went to Asheville, North Carolina to testify against tethering there.

In this case, animal advocates were amazingly present due to Chain Free Asheville’s efforts, and city council has now given Chain Free Asheville and the Chief of Police 60 days to hammer out a revised ordinance. The citizen support made the difference for the chained dogs of Asheville.

Visit for more information and link to www.chainfreeasheville.org.

SHOWING UP MATTERS!

“Nope, there ain’t no chains on us. Nothin’ is going to hold us back from our fight against this accepted form of backyard cruelty!” You can Help

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Dogs Deserve Better (DDB) has featured three anti-chaining / breed-specific legislation (BSL) action alerts in their most recent newsletters, which I’ve excerpted below. If you live in Nevada, Hawaii or Texas, please read on and call or write your state representatives!

DDB E-News 04/16/09 Shhh…Silence Loves You:
CALL TO ACTION! Committee Passes Nevada’s Anti-Tethering Bill!

The Senate Natural Resources Committee has passed the anti-tethering bill, S.B. 132!! It’s on to the full Senate!

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: Quickly! ACT NOW! Don’t let this bill fail!

Call or write your Nevada state senator, and urge him or her to vote YES on S.B. 132. Tell the senator that you are a constituent. If you are not sure whom your Nevada state senator is Go Here for help. If you don’t live in Nevada please urge friends and relatives in the area to take action! Remember, Senators want your vote, being a constituent holds the most power! Explain to Senators how the passing of the law would encourage your vacation and travel plans or even relocation to the Nevada area. Go Here to find Nevada state senator’s contact information. (USE the LCB phone numbers because they are all in Carson City now.) If you want to send formal letters use this mailing address for all the senators: 401 S. Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701

The bill was amended; GO HERE for a copy to download. The amended bill, S.B. 132, reflects a limit of 14 hours per day for tethering and also restricts the use of choke, chain and prong collars in tethering or chaining dogs. The amendments clarify that a tether, tie, chain or other restraint must be at least 12 feet long. Dogs tied to a stationary object must have a restraint that allows the dog to move at least 12 feet. Dogs tied on trolleys or pulleys must be able to move a total of at least 12 feet. Also, the amended version does not specify pen sizes for dogs but does state enclosures should be appropriate for the size and breed of the dog.

The bill would not apply to dogs (1) kept by veterinarians or in a boarding facility or shelter or temporarily at a campsite or as part of a rescue operation, (2) being trained for hunting or used for hunting during hunting season, (3) entered in an exhibition, show, contest or the like; (4) living on land that is directly related to an active agricultural operation if the restraint is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the dog; (5) whose owners are engaged in a temporary task up to one hour. “[A]gricultural operation” means “any activity necessary for the commercial growing and harvesting of crops or the raising of livestock and poultry.”

In making their decision, the Senate Natural Resources Committee heard from supporters and opponents of S.B. 132. One of the witnesses was Dr. Frank McMillian, a long practicing board certified veterinarian, clinical professor of veterinary medicine, and noted author of dozens of journal articles and book chapters as well as the textbook, Mental Health and Well-being in Animals.

Dr. McMillian told the committee, “The term ‘emotional pain’ has been around a long time, but only recently has research in neuroscience shown that this is not just flowery language – that the brain circuitry of animals is wired to induce emotional feelings that hurt. In fact, the neurological systems controlling the emotions of loneliness are located in the brain right next to the circuits that give physical pain its hurtful sensation. The evidence now suggests that the feelings of loneliness evolved from the more primitive feelings of physical pain.”

“And while physical suffering gets all the attention, the fact is that emotional suffering in animals can be even more distressing than physical pain. In the lab, researchers have compared an animal’s response when forced to choose between physical and emotional pain. Consider one simple experiment that is particular relevant to the issue of dogs being left alone on a chain: Researchers separated dogs from their human companions and put an electrified metal grid between them. The dog had a choice: endure the emotional pain of loneliness, or endure the physical pain of electric shocks to rejoin their human companion. What do they choose? It isn’t even close. They overwhelmingly choose to cross the grid-being shocked the whole way. They choose to suffer the physical pain in order to spare themselves the emotional pain.”

“[T]he next time you see a dog that is living his life on a chain, …know that the suffering is there – inside – and that that dog is shackled to his own personal pain – until someone unchains him from it.”

Nevada breeders, however, have decided to oppose this bill that would eliminate cruel chaining of dogs. The Nevada Veterinary Medical Association has also announced opposition to the bill, S.B. 132.

So, don’t wait, call or write Nevada state senators now in support of this bill! Neglected and abused dogs in Nevada are counting on YOU as their ONLY HOPE!

Talking points – Why Nevada legislators should vote yes on this bill

1) CDC-Chained dogs are 5x more likely to bite children, 3x more likely to bite adults.
2) American Vet Medical Assoc.-many fatal attacks and dog bites involve animals that have been restrained.
3) Nat’l Canine Research Council-Almost 30% of all Fatal attacks are from chained or penned dogs.
4) ASPCA-81% of fatal attacks were by dogs that were isolated.
5) Cornell Univ. College of Vet Med-both chained and penned dogs suffer from similar behavior problems.
6) HSUS-Dogs kept continuously outdoors, chained or penned, will suffer from the same boredom, loneliness & isolation leading to aggressive behavior.
7) Nicholas Dodman, Ph.D. in vet med/Tufts Univ-”chaining dogs makes them more aggressive. They are natural social animals & it induces “isolation-induced aggression” & creates a “junkyard” dog effect. They basically go mad.”

Go HERE to find ATTACHMENTS of 5 sample letters to be downloaded!

(Acknowledgment and full credit for this article and information is credited to www.animallawcoalition.com)

Special thanks from Dogs Deserve Better extended to Laura Allen, Animal Law Coalition, Karen Goodman and Beth Coen.

DDB E-News 04/16/09 Shhh…Silence Loves You:
The Plight of Chained Dogs in Hawaii

Katie Lueders of Massachusetts spent about 3 weeks in Hawaii. Katie tells Dogs Deserve Better, in her own words, her experience, how locals avoided her requests for information, and how she is still haunted by the vision of neglected chained dogs in the middle of what she thought would be paradise.

The beaches were pristine, the local people were enthusiastic about sharing their culture, and the tour guides seemed to really enjoy sharing Hawaii’s history with visitors to the islands. There was one thing I found myself constantly questioning though, the recurring trend in the way dogs, beloved pets to many, were being kept.

Many dogs were kept chained or tied to stakes in the ground, sometimes with only an overturned barrel for shade, or shelter. There were often “beware of dogs” signs posted on properties, with barking dogs in the background, spotted between slats of fences, sometimes pacing back and forth on their short leads.

One dog in particular, a pit-bull cross of some sort, caught my attention as I walked merely minutes from my hostel, down a dead-end street. He was clearly tied to an object in the small shack he stood outside of. He made curious eye contact with me, and my guess was that he rarely sees anyone, or anything, but his owner, and the same yard he sits on the edge of, day in, and day out. The loops of chain lay in a pile on the ground. He did not bark, or make any move toward me, but merely stood silent, alert, watchful. I was overcome with sadness for this lonely dog, and visited him several times, from a distance, until I left to go home.

I always thought Hawaii would be a kind of magical place, but when I think of the beaches and the bright colorful fish, I just as soon think of all the dogs I saw, no doubt bored with little to no stimulation, exercise, or companionship. They were tied, literally, to lives of unhappiness. When I asked local tour guides and even hostel employees about all of these chained dogs, the most common response I got was a shrug, or, at it’s most frustrating, an abrupt change from the subject. There was rarely even a match for my concern. At one point, a tour guide even pointed to the pineapple fields to my right, and talked of their history on the island, as a response.

I hope there will someday be relief for the dogs I met, or wanted to meet, in Hawaii. May it no longer to be normal or acceptable to dismiss the slow wagging tail of a dog chained up in the back yard, forever yearning for a family to be with. I hope we can help families learn a new tradition to celebrate; the inclusion of dogs as part of their daily lives. May we bring these dogs a life with no chains.

Katie Lueders, Massachusetts

What Katie described is NO vacation paradise for anyone who cares about the plight of chained dogs, loves dogs, cares about animals, loves even their own dogs or just flat-out hates suffering.

Find recent updates on the Hawaii Bill SB 1188 here.

Hawaii also proposed Breed Specific Legislation, but DDB believes you can help stop this by urging them to pass a tethering bill and not the BSL. Contact Senators and tell them why you do not want to vacation in Hawaii until laws are in place to protect chained dogs.

Another example of YOU and Dogs Deserve Better making a difference in not one, but the lives of many chained dogs through legislative action.

04/20/09 – Thayne to Testify before Texas State Legislature on SENATE BILL 634:
DDB Founder to Testify at Texas Hearing before the Legislature on Anti-Chaining Senate Bill 634

Tamira Ci Thayne, DDB founder, and Texas DDB Rep Nili Asgharian will be testifying in front of the Texas State Legislature Tuesday, April 21, 2009 on this bill. Please, send to all dog lovers in Texas, and urge them to e-mail the below legislators to support this bill! This bill would not only save many, many Texas dogs, but stand as a shining beacon for other state laws to follow.

URGENT STATEWIDE ALERT – Please forward to dog lovers throughout Texas!

- from our friends at Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies.

PLEASE SUPPORT SENATE BILL 634 – HELP STOP DOG CHAINING IN TEXAS

Your help is urgently needed to help pass Senate Bill (SB) 634, a bill in the Texas legislature to strengthen our state’s current anti-chaining law! The bill would prohibit a person from leaving a dog alone on a chain or tether. It would also require a minimum of 150 square feet of space for a dog being kept in an outdoor enclosure.

URGENT! PLEASE HELP BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:

1) MONDAY: Call or email each member of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and ask them to support SB 634. Their contact information is included in the attached Word document.

2) TUESDAY: Please attend the hearing on SB 634, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2009 beginning at 1:30 pm in Room E1.016 (Hearing Room) of the Capitol Extension. If possible, please also sign a card indicating your support for the bill.

You can bet that those who oppose this bill will be making their voices heard. SO LET’S STAND UP FOR TEXAS DOGS…AND FOR THE SAFETY OF TEXAS CHILDREN! PLEASE CONTACT THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ATTEND THE HEARING IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL!!!

Senate Criminal Justice Committee Contacts

Sen. John Whitmire (Chair) (512) 463-0115 John.Whitmire [at] senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Kel Seliger (Vice Chair and Author of SB 634 — Be sure to thank him!) (512) 463-0131 Kel.Seliger [at] senate.state.tx.us
Sen. John Carona (512) 463-0116 John.Carona [at] senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Rodney Ellis (512) 463-0113 Rodney.Ellis [at] senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Glenn Hegar (512) 463-0118 Glenn.Hegar [at] senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Juan Hinojosa (512) 463-0120 Juan.Hinojosa [at] senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Dan Patrick (512) 463-0107 Dan.Patrick [at] senate.state.tx.us

Please read the attached document for important information about dog chaining and SB 634. And thank you for your compassion!

For more information about SB 634 or this campaign, please contact:

Patt Nordyke, Executive Director
Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies
Email: pnordyke [at] austin.rr.com

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals dog canine pet companion animal chained dog animal companion tethering anti-tethering anti-chaining bsl breed specific legislation nevada texas hawaii

Be A Voice for Fulton County, Georgia Chained Dogs

These dogs are among an estimated 1000+ living permanently “chained-out-in-the-back-yard” in Fulton County…. isolated and neglected. Please be their voice by asking the Fulton County Commissioners to outlaw chaining. Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cobb, Cherokee and Douglas counties are the metro-Atlanta counties among the 15+ in Georgia who’ve already outlawed chaining. It’s shameful that Fulton County, the State Capital, is lagging behind. See more Fulton County Chained Dogs. Warning: photos may be disturbing to some.

The Ban on Dog Chaining in Fulton County has been introduced and NOW IS THE TIME to have your voice heard for all these dogs. There are 3 chances to be heard:

1. Wed Jan 14 2pm -
Meeting with Com. Nancy Boxhill District 6.
Her district is Grant Park, Capital view, Candler Park, Cabbagetown, Castleberry Hill, Inman Park, Midtown, Vine city, VA Highlands – If you are a resident she cares more about you.

2. Tues Jan 20 9:30am -
Meeting with Com. Rob Pitts – At Large
At large means he covers all Fulton County.

3. Wed Jan 21 10am -
Commission meeting open to Public/ Need people for 2 minute public comment. I have photos, facts, scripts ready to make it easy. Tell your story, why you want this law passed. This is your chance to be heard in front of everybody. I need LOTS OF PEOPLE to show up for this!!!! Contact Denise if you can speak.

If you can’t attend a meeting, please at least send an email to the Commissioners expressing your support of the proposed ban on long-term tethering (aka “chaining”).

Commissioners addresses are:

john.eaves [at] fultoncountyga.gov, robb.pitts [at] fultoncountyga.gov, lynne.riley [at] fultoncountyga.gov, Tom.Lowe [at] fultoncountyga.gov, Emma.Darnell [at] fultoncountyga.gov, district6 [at] fultoncountyga.gov, William.Edwards [at] fultoncountyga.gov

Contact local news stations and ask for reports on the horrors of dog chaining in Fulton County at myfoxatlanta.com or email Randy Travis (randy.travis [at] myfoxatlanta.com), Reporter for Fox 5 Atlanta News with a blog about Fulton County, community.myfoxatlanta.com/blogs/RandyTravis

If you don’t live in the area, DDB suggests that you send an email in support of the anti-tethering ordinance. For information and talking points, check out the group’s Get Laws! page. You may find the HSUS’s factsheet “The Facts About Chaining or Tethering Dogs” particularly helpful.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better chaining tethering pet companion animal dog canine animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals georgia fulton county anti-tethering anti-chaining legislation news in the news

Trick or Treat for DDB!

If you and your children will be out “trick or treating” this year, have the kids create a donation box or bucket for Dogs Deserve Better. When knocking on doors ask the homeowner if he/she would like to donate to help dogs as you hold up the bucket and hand them a brochure.

Whoever raises the most money and sends it in will be the lucky recipient of a “Puddles Pak” for their own “Puddle’s Party”! Whether you knock on doors, have a party at school, visit relatives, have an alternative to trick or treating party at church, it’s a fun way to raise money and get brochures into the hands of people. Or just create your own donation bucket and ask the local gas station or convenience store if you can place it on the counter through the month of October.

If you are interested, please email kim [at] dogsdeservebetter.org and tell her how many brochures you will need along with your address. When donations are raised, send them to

DDB,
PO Box 23,
Tipton, PA 16684

with the amount raised and a picture/letter.

Now my mind is reeling with ideas I can put a costume on my dogs and take them “trick or treating” for donations! Be inventive and help raise money for the dogs.

Of course, this is also a great strategy to raise money for your favorite animal advocacy organization: dress up your dog or cat in her evening best (important note: only if she is amenable, and only if) to solicit donations for a local animal shelter or rescue group, or go full Halloween and dress her up as “farmed animal” in order to raise money for a farm animal sanctuary such as Farm Sanctuary or Woodstock FAS. Get creative – who can resist a cute mutt, hmmmm?

If you’ll be the one handing out candy this Hallow’s Eve, here’s another idea: order some vegetarian starter kits or recipe booklets to hand out to trick-or-treaters with your (vegan) Halloween candy. That way, the little ones are happy, and you get to distribute some free swag – from the comfort of your own home, even. Win/win!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts Dogs Deserve Better ddb halloween trick or treat vegan veganism vegetarian vegetarianism starter kit everyday activism

North Carolina – Animal Abuse Punished Thanks to DDB Rep Shari Strader

Dog abuser gets caught thanks to DDB RepThanks to DDB Rep Shari Strader, Jack McCall Jr. in High Point, NC was caught on tape kicking, throwing, and choking chained dogs. He was charged with 3 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty but was eluding police. He was finally arrested and had his preliminary hearing on Tuesday, August 12th. His court date is yet to be announced.

Jack McCall has a history of animal abuse and dog fighting. Among multiple other charges, has been caught dog fighting and was convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty in 2001. He obviously does not intend to stop.

Shari asks that we call the Guilford County and High Point District Attorneys and tell them that Jack McCall should be charged with FELONY animal cruelty if you agree. Tell them that McCall has established a pattern of abuse and will not stop until he is held accountable. Remind them of the link between animal abuse and child/spousal abuse.

Doug Henderson
Guilford County District Attorney,
TEL: (336) 574-4313,
FAX (336) 334-3174

High Point District Attorney
TEL: (336) 801-5300

McCall must be stopped before more innocent victims fall prey to his abuse.

View raw footage caught on tape

Alleged dog abuser arrested in Highpoint

Additional news coverage available via Google.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals dog canine pet companion animal chained dog Jack McCall Jack McCall Jr. High Point North Carolina

The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour: 12 Days, 12 States, 120 Dogs

March 27, Altoona, PA – What if someone wanted to prove that they could drive to any state and in the space of a few hours easily find, photograph, and videotape a minimum of 10 dogs spending their lives at the end of a chain? And what if they decided to test this theory by going on the road on a whirlwind 12 state tour, spending only 1 day per state, including finding the dogs, driving to the next state, securing lodging, possibly speaking, meeting media, and creating videos? And what if at the end of each day they uploaded pictures and videos of their findings in that state on that day for the nation to share in the truth of what is going on in our country’s backyards?

And what if one day two women decided to make all these ‘what ifs’ a reality? The result is The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour.

The brainchild of DDB founder Tammy Grimes, the road tour idea has been festering for over a year; now she and DDB public liaison director Dawn Ashby have decided to put the plan into action under the tour name of The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour!

April 5th Grimes will fly to St. Louis, Missouri, where she will meet up with Ashby. There they will pick up a car, drive into Missouri to a likely location, and commence the 12 state tour bright and early the morning of the 6th.

The intention of the tour and the subsequent pictorial and video footage is to show how prevalent chaining and penning are in the U.S., educate the nation that it is common in all states, and put forth the idea that it is indeed something that must be stopped; that it is not humane and not an acceptable way to house and train Man’s Best Friend. They will be speaking to caretakers of chained and penned dogs, passing out treats, collars and leashes, educational materials and fencing applications, and seeking local help for situations that appear to be illegal, as well as engaging the public through speaking and media alerts.

The tour schedule is as follows:

12 Days, 12 States, 120 Chained Dogs

Day 1: April 6th, Missouri
Day 2: April 7th, Arkansas
Day 3: April 8th, Lousiana
Day 4: April 9th, Mississippi
Day 5: April 10, Alabama
Day 6: April 11, Georgia
Day 7: April 12, South Carolina
Day 8: April 13, North Carolina
Day 9: April 14, Tennessee
Day 10: April 15, Kentucky
Day 11: April 16, Virginia
Day 12: April 17, West Virginia

Got a Tip for our Trip?

If you live in any of the targeted states, and have any of the following, please contact us via the form at the link below: 1. tips on areas that may really need to be seen 2. tips on lodging or possible speaking engagements in your state on the day we pass through 3. tips on local media who may be interested in the story of the tour coming to your state.

For more information, a tip form, and to see video and photos once the tour begins, visit the website at www.dogsdeservebetter.org/dognamictour.html

Dogs Deserve Better, a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award. The grouphas 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France. Grimes was also a Top Ten Finalist for the 2006 Animal Planet Hero of the Year Contest.

PLEASE Join Dogs Deserve Better today! We have a chance to change the future. With your help, we can let the world know animal abuse MUST be taken seriously. Don’t sit back and let it happen. If we DON’T stand up, this practice WILL NOT END. Please get involved today.

Sincerely,

Tammy Grimes
Founder, Dogs Deserve Better

Dogs Deserve Better | www.dogsdeservebetter.org | 877.636.1408 | P.O. Box 23 | Tipton | PA | 16684

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better tammy grimes tour Dognamic Duo dog canine pet companion animal chaining tethering chained dogs tethered dog animal neglect missouri arkansas louisiana mississippi alabama georgia south carolina north carolina tennessee kentucky virginia west virginia road trip

10,000 Addresses? No Sweat…That’s Only 2 Each!

Meet my newest foster, Delilah (who rumor has it is considering me for her new mommy…she talks in her sleep when she’s snuggled up to me at night, and I swear I heard her say it!) She, like Riley who so many of you generously sponsored this Holiday Season, had been living on a chain without even the ability to see to relieve the daily boredom, loneliness, and yearly sojourn into Pennsylvania’s winter cold. For she’s blind.

Can you imagine even for a moment living your life on the end of a chain not able to see? How terrifying, and so helpless to even defend yourself against intruders.

Thanks to a network of Pennsylvania volunteers, Delilah is now free and loving her inside home and family here with me, even sharing in the Christmas joys with her siblings.

Sadly, her beagle friend remains on a chain at the home where she lived; he’s a ‘huntin’ dog’, and they would not release him. I have sent them a special letter offering fencing if he could come into the home to live with them, but have not heard back yet. He will be one of the 25 new addresses I am personally pledging for our 2008 Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Campaign. But I know there are hundreds of thousands more of them out there across America and Canada!

I don’t need you to pledge 25, but I am asking each of you to send us just 2 ADDRESSES. If everyone on our list sends in 2 addresses, we will have well over 10,000 dogs receiving Valentines this year, and our 2008 HAVE A HEART FOR CHAINED DOGS campaign goal will be met and even exceeded!

To make it ‘more anonymous’ and easier than ever, I’ve put a form on the Valentine’s page where you can submit your addresses simply and quickly, and include pertinent information such as how many dogs live there and whether they are chained, penned, or in some cases, both.

Drive by chained dogs Daily? Weekly? Please get those addresses today!

Truly don’t see a chained dog anywhere near you? Consider making Valentines, sending coupons, or donating to cover the cost of the campaign.

Read this great article by Sandy Eckstein of the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the Valentine campaign: Some construction paper, glue and scissors could help a dog get a better life…

Hold On…A Look Back at DDB

This slideshow was put together by Aubrie Kavanaugh, a DDB supporter in Alabama. It’s a look back at our origins and how far we’ve come, and it really does touch my heart to see how everyone has pulled together to rescue so many dogs and give them the life they deserve.

Thank you, both to Aubrie for such a great production, and to every one of you who has reached out to a chained dog near you.

View the Slideshow Production on YouTube

Be Sure to Get the New Valentine Merchandise, Featuring Delilah!

Love Is…Rescuing a Dog

Our new Valentine art for 2008 is selling like crazy on shirts, sweatshirts, and all sorts of gift attire! Don’t miss out, and promote a wonderful cause this Valentine’s Day.

Our CafePress Store Link

PLEASE Join Dogs Deserve Better today! We have a chance to change the future. With your help, we can let the world know animal abuse MUST be taken seriously. Don’t sit back and let it happen. If we DON’T stand up, this practice WILL NOT END. Please get involved today.

Sincerely,

Tammy Grimes
Founder, Dogs Deserve Better

Dogs Deserve Better | www.dogsdeservebetter.org | 877.636.1408 | P.O. Box 23 | Tipton | PA | 16684

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better tammy grimes pet companion animal dog canine chained tethered chaining tethering chained dog tethered dog valentine’s day vday holidays observances events valentines Have a Heart for Chained Dogs pictures photos Delilah foster volunteer donate february 14

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Dec 17, 2007 11:34 AM
Subject: Open Letter from Tammy Grimes December 17, 2007

On September 11, 2006, I rescued a dog that was dying at the end of a chain in a muddy yard in a small Pennsylvania town. I was subsequently arrested. A little over a year later, on December 15, 2007, I was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property.

The last year has been the most traumatic and the most inspirational of my life. I have been labeled a “terrorist” a “vigilante”, a “publicity hound” and an “anarchist.” I have been called a hero. I have been humbled by encouragement and well wishes from people all over the world. I have been attacked in person and in print in my small town, where the prevailing view is that it is fine and dandy to tie a dog to a tree or a dog house and leave it to pace back and forth for year after agonizing year, in skull-cracking cold or 100-degree weather, with nothing but parasites for company.

I don’t regret what I did. Not for one second. And when it comes to rescuing dogs and changing minds and laws, I’m just getting started. Here’s why.

The dog at the center of all this, a dog we would eventually name Doogie, had been lying in the mud and rain for three days, chained to the dog house he had been attached to for years. He was unable to stand and was pawing the air in desperation. His owners chose to go four-wheeling and to work on Monday instead of getting him the vet help he needed and deserved, but most importantly was entitled to by law. A distraught neighbor had called animal control repeatedly over the course of the three days. But as so often happens, no “humane” officer called back. No one ever showed up. (Surprised? Trust me, it happens all the time, and not just in my town.) The frantic neighbor eventually reached out to me and to Dogs Deserve Better.

What I did next set in motion a chain of events that would eventually garner national attention, the wrath of some, the support of others, and an agonizing trial during which I had to listen to lies and mischaracterizations for three days: I removed that dog’s chain and I took him to the veterinarian. It was all very clear to me as I lifted the emaciated, wet dog into my van. I had been in animal rescue long enough to know that I would probably be labeled the villain while the dog’s caretakers wouldn’t even be questioned for leaving a suffering dog on the ground for three days, not to mention all the years they tied him to a shabby box in the yard; letting his toenails to grow so long they were curling back toward his pads, denying him vet care when he most needed it.

But I also knew that what I was doing was morally correct. It was the compassionate thing to do. It was the only thing I could do. Time was of the essence. A dog was suffering. I felt he was dying.

In court, it became increasingly clear that our ‘humane officer’ left me “holding the bag,” in this case little more than a bag of bones. He had been offered the dog by me as part of what should have been a cruelty case against the caretakers 2 times on September 11th, but ignored me both times. On the witness stand the officer, in an attempt to cover his own hide, stated he told me and the vet assistants not to remove Doogie from the vets. This is absolutely untrue, and if he had done so I would not have been put in the position of choosing between Doogie’s skin and my own.

So, now I’m guilty. Ah yes, guilty of caring about a dog that had been left to die. Guilty of putting myself and my reputation on the line because I can’t stand to see suffering. Yes, call me guilty.

At Dogs Deserve Better, we see dogs in horrific situations every day. Sometimes these sad animals are neurotic or aggressive from years at the end of a chain. Sometimes, they are half-starved or have collars embedded in their necks. Sometimes they are dead. So, why go out on a limb for one old dog? Why take a moral stand in this one instance? Why challenge a law, when Dogs Deserve Better has stuck to the letter of the law in almost 1,000 rescues to date?

The answer is simple: because it was the right thing to do. Because our laws regarding personal property and animal welfare are contradictory and archaic. Because Michael Vick can’t kill his dogs, but the Arnolds can. Because, at the end of the day, I knew I simply couldn’t live with myself if I walked away from that dog and left him to suffer there in the mud.

Doogie blossomed after we got him medical care and showed him a warm bed and a little love. He not only walked again, but actually ambled around with a spring in his step. Imagine. A dog that for many years could not take more than a few steps before being yanked back by a chain, was trotting around a yard and enjoying soft hands and a warm home!

I have no illusions about my life’s work. I know some people will never get it. I know some people think “it is just a dog.” I know some people consider me the representation of all that is evil because I have compassion for animals and because in one isolated incident, where the clock was ticking and life was ebbing, I took someone’s “property” — property that the owners had for all intents and purposes abandoned on the ground like a used-up piece of junk. But I don’t care what my detractors think because I now know that I have more support, more friends, more allies, than I ever dreamed possible.

The support I have received during the last year has made me stronger in my convictions and more steadfast in my work. I know that the vast majority of reasonable, educated, compassionate people believe that it is barbaric beyond imagining to chain a dog for its life. I know that anti-tethering laws will continue to be passed in states, cities and counties across this country. (“No-brainers” a recent news article called these laws.) And I’m going to work harder than ever to make sure that happens.

Five years ago, when I started Dogs Deserve Better, people laughed in my face when I talked about laws against chaining. Today, three states have passed laws that severely limit the practice, as have hundreds of cities and counties, some banning chaining altogether. I know that I will see the day when our society sees tying a dog to a doghouse for 15 years as abhorrent as eating a dog.

Oh yes, make no mistake: times change and morality and compassion eventually triumph over ignorance and stupid, blind habit. Slavery ended. Women got the right to vote. Wife beating is no long accepted. You don’t see a lot of kids working in mines or sweat shops anymore. Even dog fighting was made a crime.

I can’t help but think about Rosa Parks. We can be sure she never regretted refusing to budge from that Montgomery bus seat. And though I may never be as brave as she was, I’ll never regret taking a half-dead dog from someone’s yard.

In memory of Doogie. May he rest in peace.-Tammy Grimes, December 17, 2007

To read the press release and view just-released photos, visit the Doogie page.

Sponsor a Dog

www.dogsdeservebetter.org/sponsor2007.html

New! Calendars are Selling Great!
If you’re interested in using our Calendars for fundraising for your 501c3 nonprofit, e-mail us at ddb [at] dogsdeservebetter.org.

Plus, get this great art on all your holiday attire and gifts at our Cafepress store: www.cafepress.com/dogsdeserve

2008 14-Month Calendars
To order your 2008 Calendars, visit this link: www.dogsdeservebetter.org/2008calendar.html

PLEASE Join Dogs Deserve Better today! We have a chance to change the future. With your help, we can let the world know animal abuse MUST be taken seriously. Don’t sit back and let it happen. If we DON’T stand up, this practice WILL NOT END. Please get involved today.

Sincerely,

Tammy Grimes
Founder, Dogs Deserve Better

Dogs Deserve Better | www.dogsdeservebetter.org | 877.636.1408 | P.O. Box 23 | Tipton | PA | 16684

————————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better tammy grimes doogie animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty Lori Arnold Steve Arnold Pennsylvania Altoona trial miscarriage of justice news in the news kinship circle brenda shoss Governor Edward G. Rendell pardon theft East Freedom Blair County misdemeanor dog canine pet companion animal chained dog tethering neglect penned dog animal law coalition

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

12/15/07 UPDATE
Verdict: GUILTY For Saving A Life – Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org * animallawcoalition.com/

CONTACT INFORMATION TO PROTEST:
Ask Pennsylvania’s Governor Edward G. Rendell to PARDON Tammy Grimes for the “crimes” or theft and receiving stolen “property” in her action to save a dying, chained dog called Doogie.

Governor Edward G. Rendell
225 Main Capitol Building * Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
ph: 717-787-2500
web email: sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html

BACKGROUND:

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, was arrested September 11, 2006 for helping a dying chained dog named Doogie who could not stand in East Freedom, Pennsylvania. Read about the case with photo and video documentation: www.dogsdeservebetter.org/doogie.html

12/14/07: A Blair County, Pennsylvania jury has found Tammy Grimes guilty of theft and receiving stolen property. Sentencing is set for February 23, 2008.

FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE: After speaking to Tammy today (12/15), I understand her misdemeanor “crimes” could merit 1-2 years jail time. Although, she is more apt to incur a fine and probation at her sentencing in February. During the trial, Tammy and her lawyer were NOT permitted to show video footage of Doogie (called “Jake” by his negligent caretakers)…on the ground unable to move or stand for at least three days.

Tammy wrote: “When we arrived, we took photos and video of Doogie. We initially thought he was dead, as he was not moving and his back was to us. We found out the people were not home to talk to about him, so I made the decision that I would not leave him lying there on the cold wet ground for one moment longer, and I would accept all consequences of my decision.”

TAMMY’S HEROIC EFFORTS IN PHOTOS & WORDS:

www.dogsdeservebetter.org/doogie.html

From: Tammy Grimes, tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Subject: I Was Found Guilty
Date: 12/14/2007

Today at 5:00 p.m. EST I was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property in a Blair County, PA courtroom… I will not stop working for chained and penned dogs. I hope supporters will stay with me… To still believe in us and the differences we are beginning to make in the lives of chained dogs… For you, Doogie: May you rest in peace, knowing you were loved and cared for [at the end].

FOR MORE INFO ON THIS CASE, READ ANIMAL LAW COALITION REPORTS:

animallawcoalition.com/tethering-penning/article-271

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

NOV. 2007 KC DIGEST: Tammy Grimes Jury Selected – Gag Order Issued
(not yet available on KC website)

SEPT. 2007 KC DIGEST: Dismiss Charges Against Tammy Grimes (Doogie Case)
(not yet available on KC website)

April-June 2007 UPDATES: Grimes Wins Award For Art Honoring Saved Dog

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_april-june_2007.html#anchor11

Jan-March 2007 UPDATES: Free From Chains, Doogie Has Died

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-mar_2007.html#11

Oct-Dec. 2006 UPDATES: Jury Trial Set For Dogs Deserve Better Founder

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec.html#8

Aug-Oct 2006 UPDATES: Arrested Dog Rescuer Tammy Grimes Visits One Happy Dog!

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_aug-oct_2006.html

9/29/06: 2 Charges Dropped For Grimes; No Charges For Arnolds

www.kinshipcircle.org/katrina/9_29_06.html

9/20/06: Tammy Grimes Update: Vet Says Doogie Is Victim Of Abuse

www.kinshipcircle.org/katrina/9_20_06.html

9/15/06: Tammy Grimes: Save A Life, Go To Jail?

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1568&seriesfirst=true

9/12/06: JAILED – SHAC 7 / Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_9_12.html

*****************************

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FOR ANIMALS – BEAR WITNESS. SPEAK. DEMAND. ACT.
Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

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*Kinship Circle cannot guarantee the validity of email addresses. During a campaign, recipients may change or disable their email addresses.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Dec 14, 2007 8:01 PM
Subject: I Was Found Guilty

I Was Found Guilty.

I wanted you to hear it from me before you heard it from anyone else. Today at 5:00 p.m. EST I was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property in a Blair County, PA courtroom.

I’m sure I will have much more to say about this at a future date. For now I need a day or two to mourn and then begin to pick up my pieces and move on.

Please realize this is just a bump in my road, and I will not stop working for chained and penned dogs. I hope those of you who are on this list as supporters will stay with me…but I need you still believe in me and the work I’ve done to free dogs from lives of hell on the end of chains. To still believe in us and the differences we are beginning to make in the lives of chained dogs.

A very special thank you to the wonderful angels at Best Friends in Utah. They stood behind me, and I know they took flack for it. You are special people, and I am honored and touched to know you.

For all the rest of you who gave your time and energy to help me in my case, my deepest gratitude. You touch my heart.

For you, Doogie. May you rest in peace, knowing you were loved and cared for. Tammy

Sponsor a Dog

www.dogsdeservebetter.org/sponsor2007.html

New! Calendars are Selling Great!
If you’re interested in using our Calendars for fundraising for your 501c3 nonprofit, e-mail us at ddb [at] dogsdeservebetter.org.

Plus, get this great art on all your holiday attire and gifts at our Cafepress store

www.cafepress.com/dogsdeserve

2008 14-Month Calendars
To order your 2008 Calendars, visit this link: www.dogsdeservebetter.org/2008calendar.html

PLEASE Join Dogs Deserve Better today! We have a chance to change the future. With your help, we can let the world know animal abuse MUST be taken seriously. Don’t sit back and let it happen. If we DON’T stand up, this practice WILL NOT END. Please get involved today.

Sincerely,

Tammy Grimes
Founder, Dogs Deserve Better

Dogs Deserve Better | www.dogsdeservebetter.org | 877.636.1408 | P.O. Box 23 | Tipton | PA | 16684

————————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better tammy grimes doogie animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty Lori Arnold Steve Arnold Pennsylvania Altoona trial miscarriage of justice news in the news kinship circle brenda shoss Governor Edward G. Rendell pardon theft East Freedom Blair County misdemeanor dog canine pet companion animal chained dog tethering neglect penned dog