From

the BattleCreek Enquirer Article Jan 11 2011

Send them the address of a chained dog and they'll send a VALENTINE to the dog to assist in help in getting him off of his chain and into more humane living conditions.

"People chain dogs for a variety of reasons, however A.S.K. encourages pet guardians to make their dogs a real part of the family by bringing them inside. Dogs that are unable to be brought in are provided with weekly assistance from A.S.K. After guardians see their dogs positively interact with A.S.K. volunteers, many start to transition their dogs into inside living; families which cannot enhance their dog's quality of life may decide to relinquish dogs so that they may be rehabilitated and re-homed. Many cities and states are banning 24/7 chaining; Battle Creek is the first city in Michigan to have a chaining ordinance which states that dog chaining must be limited to three total hours a day. Concerned citizens should contact both their local animal control agency and A.S.K. to report law violators and potential animal neglect concerns.

How can you help? Throughout the year the public is encouraged to provide A.S.K. with addresses of 24/7 chained dogs in need.
Dog toys, treats, food and plastic doghouses are in high demand right now, and A.S.K. needs your help to continue to be a successful direct-outreach organization in the community. Valentines should be completed by February 4, 2011. To report Calhoun County animals or donate, please contact A.S.K. toll-free: 877-596-7776, P.O. Box 4055, Battle Creek, MI 49016, www.allspecieskinship.org or on Facebook."

And a RELATED NOTE:
Kudos to councilman Peter Vallone Jr.[you can email him a thank you note HERE

On December 17th NYC introduces a bill to BAN people from tying up dogs.  The ASPCA supports this bill

via NYDaily News article "ASPCA officials pointed out that tethered dogs can and have become aggressive. Tethering also exposes dogs to injury from other animals, people, extreme weather conditions and the tether or chain itself."

The ban would apply to owners tethering their dogs for periods of more than three hours in a 12 hour period, and to do so would constitute animal abuse and is punishable by applicable fines. Although, they concede enforcement would be difficult, it's still a good start and would certainly help give support to cases where the violations are extreme and obvious.

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More rescources at  www.unchainyourdog.org

RISKS of TYING your dog up {EVEN TO GET COFFEE}

1. IF you cannot see him the whole time...and he's friendly-Someone CAN and WILL steal him. This happens more than you think.

2. EVEN if you CAN see him....anything can happen and you aren't there to protect him.

3. If he's not friendly ENOUGH for anyone to walk up to and pet [ see stealing anyhow] then he's at risk of biting someone.

4. If he bites someone....it's their word against yours. They may have provoked it, but it WON'T matter, since no one-including you, saw it.

BEST option for walking dogs and doing errands? Take a pal and take turns sitting with the dog, it's a great way to meet people and spend more quality time with your pup without compromising his safety or putting you both in harms way.