One of my neighbors has two pits, one is chained up in the backyard. I've seen this guy hit, kick, and be so abusive to them it just tears me apart. Not to mention I have a special place in my heart for pit bulls. What I'm wanting to know is, is this something you would report? Someone told me that it is illegal to chain a dog up for life here in Alabama. I feel so bad for it. The owner doesn't let their other dog meet it, so when they let it outside, the chained pit just about chokes itself pulling, lunging, whining, barking, etc. The bark is terrible sounding. Almost raspy yelping. Do I need to do something about it? I have a picture of the chained pit. I wish I had video of him abusing them. Oh, and they used to have a small tan chihuahua mix, but it's lost and they've obviously made no effort trying to find it. I've seen the dog out on walks with an older man, so I'm hoping it's found a better home. Opinions on this please! What I'm worried is this dog will end up going to the pound and getting euthanized because it's had no socialization, training, etc. The one no-kill shelter we did have isn't no-kill anymore. Ugh. But then again, what kind of life is this dog living? Please help on this!

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So sad. I hate seeing that. I hate seeing dogs chained for life because at that point what is even the point of owning the animal? They obviously don't enjoy the dog and the dog does not enjoy his life so why have a dog at all??

Of course this is awful and I personally would report it. There are a few animal cruelty firms like SPCA etc. I've called them to report abused/abandoned horses here in Texas before and they'll come and check it out.

So sorry you are having to see it happen. It would be hard for me to just sit back.

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As far as I can research I don't see that your state or city has no chain laws but many states and counties are doing that. I hope eventually its illegal everywhere.

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This is what I could find as far as ordinances for your location.

2. Sec.4-7 (Cruelty to Animals)

"In FLORENCE all dogs must be well taken care of or the abuser will face prosecution. All animals will be provided a four sided structure to live in, fresh water at all times, if confined by chain it must be at least eight feet long and tangle-free. The best type of structure is an igloo-type house. We will take custody of any animal that is being mistreated or one that is not being given proper medical care. No animal may be left unattended at anytime in a vehicle."
(Welcome to the City of Florence, Alabama)

So the chaining you describe is not in itself illegal unless the chain is shorter than 8 feet and no shelter is provided. However, the mistreatment is. I very much doubt that AC would seize the dog straight away unless it was in terrible shape so giving them a call so that they can go check on the situation might be a good idea (contact numbers for AC are on the page linked above).

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I wonder if you could start with a noise complaint. Or at least talk to the neighbor - since they do not allow the other dog around it may be that he just doesn't know how to train the tied up dog but also afraid as much as you are to get others involved for fear it will be put down.

I would try to call and report it for sure. Even if you call and they say they can't do anything unless you see XYZ, at least you know what to look for and you tried. But they could be able to do something about it, so I'd at least call and find out.

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-Valerie

I would report it, so that it's on record when/if this dog ever attacks anyone. I'm not sure I would want him off the leash at this point if he were my neighbor. A new owner is the dog's only hope.

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Grasslands Liberty Belle "Bella" CGC (5-7-2012)

it should be reported. the owner is turning the pit into a ticking time bomb.

I wouldn't care if the pit ended up mauling the owner, but the pit could pose a dangerous situation to yourself, your dog, and other people.

I would also research pit rescue organizations... hopefully there is a local one.

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-tan
Caretaker of <crazy> Daisy (born March 26, 2009)

Yes, that's what I'm afraid of. I'm always very cautious when walking my dogs. It upsets me because I know that this dog could have had the chance to be a loving family pet. But who knows, maybe it still has a chance.
It angers me because that dogs life is nothing. I never ever see the owners play with it. It's just there. It's like, why do you even get the dog? They've had it for probably 6 months. Their gray pit has already gone after my cat. Why they let it outside off leash I have no clue. I have video of them running around our neighborhood. I would be very afraid to talk to the owners. I'm trying to not get so involved, but I AM going to contact someone about it. I just can't see this going on any longer. That poor baby is sitting out in the cold with nobody to get him help.
And what's really sad is I have to see so many dogs living like this in my area. So many pits just chained. Living in garbage. I think this is why I have such a love for this breed, people treat them like trash.

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Daniel the dog survives gas chamber, gets new home

I think the gas chambers are illegal now, but this is just unbelievable. Our shelters aren't the best in the world except for the colbert county shelter. It used to be a no-kill, but they really do try to find their animals homes. I will search for pit bull organizations...

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