LEE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

"Break the Chain"

   Cruelty Case Photos Involving "Chained Dogs"

Warning!  Some of the photos below are graphic in nature.  They represent only a few of the cruelty cases from the files of Lee County Animal Services involving dogs chained out by their owners.  These dogs were neglected by their owners who did not provide proper shelter, food, water, or medical care.  Many dogs subjected to this treatment are unsocialized due to their lack of human contact.  As a result they can display fearful, aggressive, and territorial behavior.  These conditions and behaviors are common when dogs are "chained out" as a way of life.

 

Dog chained to telephone pole in owner's yard. Temperature gauge attached to telephone pole by Animal Services to measure outside temperature in the area where dog is chained.  Temperature reads 104.5◦ F. Dog immediately runs to the shade of the Animal Control truck as it pulls in the owner's driveway.

Dog tied to clothesline in owner's back yard was so emaciated that he could not stand without difficulty.  He also had developed a skin condition causing almost complete hair loss.  His nails were so long that they curled under his feet and prevented him from walking properly.  Dog was impounded immediately due to its condition.

 Dog tied out in owner's back yard.  She was impounded immediately due to her condition.  Besides her severely emaciate state she was also heartworm positive.

Dog tied out to a small tree.  Tree provides no shade.  No drinking water available.  Dog acts frightened whenever anyone approaches.

 Dog tied out to blocks.  Extremely emaciated.  Acts protective and territorial.

Emaciated dog with ribs visible.  Dog had been chained up wearing a collar that was too small  for so long that it became imbedded in its neck.  Dog's neck was sutured at Animal Services' clinic.

Another dog that had been chained for a long time wearing a collar that was too small.  Surgery to close its wounds was performed at Animal Services' clinic.  Part of the collar is visible at the bottom of the photo.

Neighbors reported this Chow with full coat tied out daily in the sun.  Acts aggressively toward neighbors.

Emaciated dog chained to fence.  No visible signs of water provided.  He displayed both fearful and territorial behavior.