I sit here grinding my teeth, my heart racing, rage building inside me. I have pawed frantically through the phone book never finding a listing for anything that resembles a phone number for Animal Control or Dog Cather for Hamilton County.
There is a dog that has been constantly barking for the past several hours, and most likely continue barking till day break. The owners are what I call typical abusers. They get a dog and short chain it to a building, shed or tree. Never any water or the bucket that once had water in it is now knocked over as the poor animal tries to find relief or freedom pacing in its four foot half circle of existence. Food for the animal is taken by whatever scavenger can steal it, be it rats or birds. No matter the weather, horrid heat or freezing cold, these poor dogs are left unattended to fend for themselves. And from time to time these animals vanish, to be replaced by another poor creature.
The owners of these dogs disregard anyone but themselves. They abandon these dogs for days at a time. I have often thought of watering, feeding or letting the dogs off their chains, but I would only be enabling these worthless slugs called pet owners.
This family only pays attention to these dogs once a blue moon, and then the poor dogs do not know how to act. The people make the appearance of being responsible pet owners, but, in all reality, they are the ones deserving to be on a short chain.
It would be so nice if the county leaders would see fit to hire or create a position of an animal control officer to investigate these situations. Or do they think the people of this county need to handle this issue on their own? I have thoughts of how to stop this never-ending barking, and they are not pretty, but then I am a man at the end of his rope.
Dwayne Cales
Hixson
heardacry@yahoo.com
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The Humane Educational Society has an Animal Protection Services Division that serves unincorporated Hamilton County and the municipalities of Red Bank, Soddy Daisy, Signal Mountain, Collegedale, Lakesite and Walden. To contact the Humane Educational Society Animal Protection Services Division call 423-624-5302.
The city of Chattanooga has an Animal Services Division and they serve all areas in the City of Chattanooga. To contact City Animal Services call 311.
Part of Hixson lies within the jurisdiction of City Animal Services and part lies in unincorporated Hamilton County. The address of the offender is necessary to verify which division serves this particular area.
There are various laws that govern animals in each of these jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions have ordinances about barking dogs, others don't.
There are also laws concerning the basic care necessary for owned animals. Animals in essence must be given food, shelter and water.
If an animal is not receiving proper care please contact the division responsible for that jurisdiction to ensure that animal owners are following the laws and ordinances in their area.
It is not the fault of the animal that they have been left alone on a chain. Dogs are pack animals and they need to be part of a group to be content. That group can be other animals or the human family that is responsible for them.
It is important for everyone interested in owning an animal to have time, energy, space and money. Dogs and cats need annual vaccinations and rabies shots are required by law to ensure that both the animal and the public are protected against rabies, which is a fatal disease.
Animals also need guidance and training classes can help you have a positive relationship with your animal. There are also helpful training tips listed on our web site at www.heschatt.com.
Being a responsible animal owner is hard work, however the joy animals can bring to our lives is well worth it. Studies have shown that individuals that have a positive relationship with their animals live longer, healthier and more productive lives. It is also important to make sure we are respectful of our neighbors if we do own an animal.
Guy Bilyeu
Executive Director
Humane Educational Society
212 N. Highland Park Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404
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See page 56 in the Chattanooga Business section:
Humane Education Society Inc- Hamilton County Animal Control, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 624-5302. Emergency After hours: 624-8353
C. Haynes
East Ridge
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I couldn't agree more with Mr. Cales. These people who let their dogs constantly bark should be ashamed of themselves. It's ridiculous.
There should be more respect and consideration shown to the people that live around them. Not everyone wants to listen to that obnoxious noise all the time.
I feel for you Mr. Cales but if you decide to take matters into your own hands you will just be vilified and the real culprits, the pet owners, will look like victims. Hopefully something can be done to rectify this problem because it is widespread.
Michael Pittman
Red Bank
slappy3347@yahoo.com
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I salute Mr. Scales of Hixson for his dead-on assessment of many dog owners. We face the same problem in Rossville, where dozens of people behave in this criminal and antisocial manner.
Proper animal care is required by law, and is also a moral and ethical responsibility, second only to caring for other people. Somehow in the country a real lowlife culture has evolved, and these people have little sense of responsibility or courtesy.
In the old days, when neighborhoods were formed by people who knew each other, the social pressure of neighbors would bring about the proper actions by the owners. Now, with few neighbors knowing each other, the police are required. It IS the responsibility of the police to enforce noise and other disruptive neighborhood problems. The problem is that the laws are lax. Poorly-cared for or disruptive animals should be taken and impounded on the FIRST complaint, and the owner should have to pay a hefty fee to recover
the animal. That owner would shape up fast, believe me. Chronic barking by dogs is a classic symptom of bad ownership, and almost always results when dogs are neglected. Dogs should always be fenced (NOT CHAINED, which is really lowbrow).
If people cannot spend the proper amount of time and money to care for their animals properly, they shouldn't own them.
Gary Furman
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I don't think you did get Mr. Cales intent here, Mr. Pittman. There should be more respect for the poor dogs that have to live this kind of life. It is not the dog’s fault, it is the human’s fault.
Chaining dogs is all over the U.S. It is a good way to at least rid yourself of that dog you just don't want any longer. You know, the one you adopted and said you were going to care for, but as with a lot of people, they just forget that promise and the responsibility that goes with guardianship.
And Mr. Furman, bravo that you see this abuse. Too many people will stick this on the poor dog. The one who sits outside in the cold and heat. The one who goes without food, water and shelter, and goes without any form of contact. The one that someone at some point in their lives took in and then changed their minds.
Responsible guardians are in it for the good and bad. We don't need to get the dogs trained, we need to get the people trained. And then maybe, just maybe there won't be the millions of dogs and cats running around that are only looking for food, shelter and a kind word.
We need to do the right thing.
Elizabeth Ferrari
Saving Animals Via Education (S.A.V.E.)
Soddy Daisy