Leaving Pets Outside Unattended Remains Dangerous

This spring Governor John G. Rowland vetoed animal protection legislation that had been passed by the Connecticut General Assembly. Among other things, this legislation would have limited the amount of time a dog could be tethered or kept outside unsupervised. The General Assembly did not override this veto. The Connecticut Humane Society reminds pet owners that with or without legislation, they should follow humane guidelines in caring for their animals, including how much time their pets spend outdoors, particularly when unattended.

While pet dogs enjoy the outdoors and need to be walked, pet owners must exercise common sense and provide sufficient exercise for dogs without endangering them. Dogs are social beings who enjoy interaction with human beings and other animals. Keeping a dog chained or confined in an area outdoors for long periods is unhealthy for dogs. It can be dangerous to them both physically and psychologically.

A dog who has been otherwise friendly and docile can become neurotic, unhappy, anxious or aggressive if tethered for too long. Prolonged tethering also can be physically dangerous. Animals left outdoors unattended are at the mercy of the elements and of strangers. Even if the dog is left sufficient drinking water, they can be deprived of their needed drink if the bowl overturns accidentally. This can be particularly dangerous in hot weather when dehydration is a risk. In cold weather the water can freeze, leaving the dog nothing to drink. In addition, dogs left outside too long risk hypothermia in the winter. Finally, being left tethered on an elevated porch or step can be a strangulation hazard if the animal falls.

The dangers of being outdoors unattended are present for cats as well. Cats left outside unsupervised have a substantially increased chance of being injured and actually have far shorter life spans than indoor cats. The estimated life span for an outdoor cat is less than three years, far less than the 12 to 15 years that the average indoor cat enjoys. The freedom some cat owners say their pets enjoy comes with a greater chance of disease or injury. And, unlike dogs, cats have no true need to be outdoors. Being small, they can get sufficient exercise indoors and can live happy, fulfilling lives without ever venturing outside.

The Connecticut Humane Society would also like to remind those concerned with animals that existing laws protect animals from abuse and neglect, including being left outside in dangerous situations. While these laws are not as strong as the recently vetoed legislation, they do provide animals some measure of protection. If you feel you have witnessed an animal tethered or confined outside too long, contact the animal control officer in your city or town.

Richard Johnston is President of the Connecticut Humane Society, a private nonprofit organization with headquarters located at 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111; phone 860-594-4502.