It shouldn’t happen to a dog, but it often does. Too many pet owners chain up their pooch in the backyard for long hours without access to food or water, or allow the dog’s chain to become hopelessly entangled and the poor pooch left hopelessly immobile and barking out its frustrations.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners last week decided to crack down on such neglect. Commissioners approved an ordinance that adds several new regulations, including: providing shelter, providing enough food and water, making sure the tether has enough length and durability and making sure the area where the dog is tethered is kept clean.
Too often the pets are not the victims of intentional cruelty but of simple neglect. The new ordinance should help draw attention to the problem.
