To tether or not to tether?!

Mid Florida family & friends,

There is a very important meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 22nd, at the County Center Building, 2nd Floor, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida at 6:30pm. The fourth Wednesday of the every month the Animal Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from each Commissioner’s office, and representatives from the Humane Society and the Hillsborough County Veterinarian Association meets to discuss issues related to Hillsborough County Animal Services and makes recommendations for voting by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

One particular issue on the agenda this Wednesday is tethering. There is a strong movement across our country right now to ban, limit or in some fashion restrict the tethering of a dog. Without a doubt we have seen the pictures of dogs tethered on a 2’-3’ chain, tangle around something or in some fashion twisted to the point the dog is unable to move at all; without access to water or shade. We’ve also seen the pictures of the dogs chained (tethered) with no daily attention and suffering the effects of an embedded collar that must be surgically removed. And, we’ve all heard the statistics ‘supporting’ (?) the fact tethered dogs are more likely to bite because of lack of socialization and interaction with people. There are some very compelling,……stories, if you will, that support the movement to make changes in tethering ordinances all across the country.

If you are a dog owner I encourage you to make every effort to attend this very important meeting. We all have our personal opinions and ideas of what is right or wrong about tethering. This email is my personal thoughts and feelings and do not necessarily represent Mid Florida American Pit Bull Terrier Association has a whole. As you decide for yourself what is right or wrong with this issue I’d like to humbly ask that you consider some very important facts.

1) The scenario I mentioned above, tangle inadequate tether preventing movement of the dog, embedded collars and the like, are acts of animal neglect and animal abuse. Hillsborough County Animal Services currently has very satisfactory and effective ordinances that deal with animal neglect and animal abuse. If you haven’t made yourself familiar with ordinances related to pet ownership, or if you feel I’m pulling this one out of my hat with nothing to substantiate the statement then take a moment to go read the ordinance yourself. They are quite good and more than sufficient.

So stop and think about this before agreeing with a ban or restrictions or limitations to tethering. An individual who is capable of animal neglect or animal abuse in their own yard isn’t going to think twice about bringing this animal in their home, stuffing them in an airline crate in the back bedroom of their home to neglect and abuse out of sight of others. At the very least if the dog is kept outside it has a chance of someone seeing these deplorable conditions and making a report on behalf of the animal.

If you really want to be part of the solution plant yourself in the courtroom for hearings on animal neglect and abuse cases….let our judges know it is time for those who do the crime to do the time….Please peruse Section 8 and related definitions at the link below. http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices/ordinance/

2) My personal pet-peeve, no pun intended, is the misnomer that EVERY tethered dog is a castaway relegated to the back yard never to be played with, loved on, provided for, or brought into the home at any time to be a part of the family. This, my friend, is the propaganda of extremist animal rights groups such as PETA and the HSUS…...organizations that would like to prevent us from owning any type of pet ALTOGETHER.

Are there dogs that have been tossed out in the backyard and ignored from that point on? Yes, and that is precisely why there are ordinances (see point #1) that deals with this type of NEGLECT and ABUSE. To take this one step further does this happen frequently enough to drive this mindset home as a staunch and factual stereotype of the tethered dog? No.

3) Not every dog is suitable, nor happy, to lie on the couch all day while their master is at work. A very high drive, high performance dog would most likely be happier in a contained area outside whereby they can move about, seeing the sites of wildlife in the trees and smell the aroma of the fresh outdoors, intermittently stretching out to bask in the warmth of the early morning or late afternoon sun and curling up for an afternoon nap in the shade and comfort of a doghouse.

So you feel if someone can afford to own a dog they should also be able to afford to fence their yard or build a kennel. Seriously, you are not really going to force me to throw my two-cents in on this one are you? A fence, be it a chain link or six foot privacy fence is not capable of containing some dogs. Be it a big dog or a small dog, if the dog wants out they can be athletic and ingenious enough to go over or under. Thus we have a dog at large. Furthermore there are some homeowner associations that prohibit fences and kennels all together. What are those individuals to do who own dogs that may not be suitable or content to lie on the couch all day and possibly too strong to be contained indoors in a crate or wire kennel for the day? Should those individuals just relinquish their pet to animal services to be killed rather than allowing tethering as a possible tool/option?

4) Dog bite statistics…tethered intact males are 2.8 times more likely to bite. There are no consistent, complete or correct accounting of bites in the US. What reports or documents currently available or recommended for review are predisposed; see item #2 on animal rights propaganda. Until such time we can compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges IN A CONSISTANT MANNER these types of statistics should be rendered useless.

5) A tethered dog becomes more territorial, possessive of his space and frustrated at the lack of interaction with his human pack therefore more inclined to become human aggressive. HOGWASH. If you believe this you have bought into the negative stereotype created by animal rights groups. See item #2….again.

Are there vicious dogs on chains or tethers that will bite if you enter their space? You bet there are! Dog behavior such as this isn’t caused by a tether. It is intentionally created by their owners, criminals for the most part, that have made them react this way! If you don’t believe me search the court records of Pinellas County for Joseph Bethune, Jr., the owner of the tethered pit bull (in a county where tethering is prohibited by the way!) that broke away and bit the face of a female visitor walking at the side of the house. Five months earlier at the same address a narcotics officer shot and killed a charging pit bull. Again, these are not tethering issues….these are criminal issues that involve innocent dogs.

6) So, you say tethering itself is ok if we place restrictions such as tether length, diameter of tether, the weight of the tether, or even how long a dog is permitted to be tethered each day. So let us explore this in more detail.

Length of tether – A dog in a 10’ X 10’ kennel has 100 feet of ‘play room.’ A dog on a 10’ tether has 360 feet of ‘play room.’ A dog on a 20’ tether has 1256 feet of ‘play room.’ The tether does in fact enable 360 degrees of free roaming verses the restrictions and the frustration that comes with kennel walls. Which do you think would make the dog happier?

Diameter of tether – Several tether ordinances I have read refer to a ¼ inch diameter limit on chain tethers. This sounds reasonable in an effort to help eliminate the heavy logging chains seen on some dogs. I decided to explore this in a little more depth and found listed on the National Association of Chain Manufacturers that there are 11 different types of chains (Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain, Grade 43 High Test Chain, Grade 70 Transport Chain, Grade 80 Alloy Chain, Grade 100 Alloy Chain, Machine Chain-Twist Link, Machine Chain-Straight Link, Coil Chain-Twist Link, Coil Chain-Straight Link, Passing Link Chain, and Stainless Steel Chain) that include a nominal chain size ¼ inch, all of which withstand different working load limits. And, beyond that there is a 53 page Federal Specification on Chains and Attachments, Welded and Weldless that was created in 1986 and amended in 1990 that must also be strictly adhered to. Sounds like a very slippery slide we may be venturing on to.

Weight of the tether –The new catch-phrase in tether ordinances is that the tether be no greater than 1/8th of the body weight of the dog. Any American Pit Bull Terrier is capable of pulling anywhere between 100-120 percent of its body weight. These figures are substantiated all across our country in sanctioned weight pull competitions. So say my dog weighs 50 pounds which means he is strong enough to pull 5000 pounds and I need a chain at least 10 feet in length not weighing over, um, 50 divided by 8 = 2.65….a grand total of 2.65 pounds in weight but must withstand a working load of 5000 pounds and the links can’t be larger than ¼ inch! Now would that be the Grade 30 coil, Grade 43 high, Grade 70 transport, Grade 80 alloy, a twist link or a straight link….hell, I’m just gonna surrender my big brown dog to the animal services for them to deal with since they created this mess and go get myself a damn lap dog!

7) Now we are down to one of my last points, but certainly and absolutely without a doubt, not the least of all points to be made. Our personal rights as a pet owner. What about the rights of the animal you ask? Well, I see it like this, and so does an immense group of additional people I might add. My dog(s) are my PROPERTY. I bought them with my own hard-earned money. I have a responsibility to these dogs to provide nourishment, love, medical care, training, socialization and such to my dog(s). If I do not, for any reason, responsibly provide and care from my dog(s) please re-read #1 above….we are back to neglect and abuse which is already covered! Have absolutely no doubts about it, until such time that my dog(s) can provide food, medicine, necessities and clean up after themselves, all RIGHTS belong to me, the owner. Freedom is what our country was founded on.

Hillsborough County Animal Services barely has the budget to keep its doors open now, and keep Animal Control Officers on the road at the same time. Dog owners have already paid a price as the cost of licenses and fees have increased in an effort to keep Animal Control Officers employed and on the road doing the incredible job that they do here in this county. Committees, sub-committees and citizens are working tirelessly to increase licensing compliance; again in an effort to cover budget deficits as they are now and projected into the future. How possibly could this agency find the means to tackle any of the additional and ludicrous changes in our tethering ordinance?

So, let’s stop and ask ourselves who knows best how to contain their pet than the actual owner himself? No one. This is better left to the discretion of responsible dog owners. Anything other than responsible is covered already under neglect and abuse.

Is there truly a humane manner in which to tether a dog? Of course there is. A medium length is probably around 10 feet and of suitable weight for the dog’s size and the dog’s strength. A small airplane tie down works well as an anchor and the chain should be attached by a swivel. The dog should be wearing a flat buckle collar and again attached to the tether/chain with a swivel and “O” ring. Swivels at each end will prevent tangles and loss of mobility by the dog. Collars should be secure enough that the dog cannot “back out of it” yet obviously not so tight as to cause discomfort or damage. ALL EQUIPMENT IS TO BE CHECKED ON A REGULAR BASIS….including the fit of the collar. A tether set-up is to include a dog house appropriate for the climate and proper shade. A misting hose, out of reach and set on a timer isn’t a bad idea for the summers either. Adequate sized water bowls or buckets need to be secured in a fashion that prevents being tipped or knocked over and cleaned and refreshed each and every day. Dirt or grass is preferable to the tethered area being concrete so long as the dog has access to dry ground. On either foundation cleanliness is of the utmost importance to the health and wellbeing of your dog. As well, humane tethering includes time-off the tether; time spent between dog and owner walking, playing, training, conditioning and above everything else a two-way of unconditional love.

So, please do not forget there is that very important meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 22nd, at the County Center Building, 2nd Floor, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida at 6:30 pm. On behalf of all responsible dog owners I encourage you to attend and make public comment if you will on any of these talking points.

Thanks, friends.

Please be a responsible owner......

After a quick walk thru the kennels at Hillsborough County Animal Serivces yesterday I was left with a visualization burned in my mind, and a pain in my heart that I have since been unable to get rid of. Seeing all the dogs who so desperately want homes is hard enough, but I entered this one kennel area and was greated by a very sad set of big brown eyes looking up at me. A small little Momma pit bull dog that reminded me so much of my little "Sissy" girl, standing there looking confused with 6-8 little red pit puppies hanging off of her, all suckling at the same time....the suckling sounds so very sweet and precious, little four-legged beings that are so very vulnerable and needy. They couldn't have been over 3 weeks old. Momma in need of being loved on and reassured that she is doing a good job caring for her babies; puppies in need of being snuggled, kissed, cooed over and played with.

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I will dig my heels in to fight, and be just as tenacious as our breed when it comes to our personal rights. Our fore-fathers have paid a very high price indeed for all of our freedoms to make choices...including choices regarding our pets. But freedom hasn't been free regardless of the lyrics of "Me and Bobby Magee." With freedom comes tremendous responsibility....including responsibility to, and for our pets.

As hard as the State of Florida has tried over the past several years, thank heavens, the decision to spay or neuter our pets is still our own choice. Please be responsible and make the right choice. Mid Florida APBTA is a dog fanciers organization and we hope to encourage new American Pit Bull Terrier dog fanciers into our passionate hobby. We are committed to educating about proper responsible breeding practices. But, if you are not going to participate in a conformation event or activity that requires your dog to be unaltered, I urge you to give every consideration to spaying or neutering your pit bull at the appropriate age. Spay/neuter voucher programs are available and low cost clinics can be found.

Choosing to have your American Pit Bull Terrier spayed or neutered does in fact eliminate alot of headaches, and heartaches for you the owner. If you own a bitch who comes in season spaying eliminates the mess, it helps to eliminate the need to roam, it helps eliminate the propensity of cancer in the reproductive organs of an aging pet, and it helps to elminate your male dog from "marking." But the most important thing spaying or netuering your American Pit Bull Terrier eliminates is unplanned or unwanted litters of puppies.

The litter of pups I described in the beginning, that I can still see, hear and smell in my minds eye....they didn't ask to be brought into this world; they only ask to be nurtured while they are young so as to provide uncondtional love to you as they mature. The very sad and realistic fact is, most likely they and momma dog will be euthanized within 3-5 days and disiposed of like a plastic bag full of garbage. Can't we be a lttle more responsible when it comes to one of God's creatures?

First Session of Mid Florida APBTA Obedience Training

Well all, I wish I had some exciting pictures from our first obedience class but I do not. LOL. I can tell you everything went very well and I believe all of us owners/handlers will be quite surprised at the end of the 8 week session. I think we all saw a little improvement in our dogs this, the first day. And, I honestly can say, I truly have practiced throughout the remainder of the day! Maverick really is picking up the watch me (well except when those squirrels went running by!), sit and stay.

Duane Bryant is conducting the obedience classes for Mid Florida and he is excellent with over 30 years experience in dog training. His breed of choice is the Rottweiler which is another very high drive, high performance and tenacious breed. We are so thankful to have him offering us his expertise and time at such a reasonable price! Duane's vision is so similiar to ours in that there is no limit to what we can do with, and for, these dogs. Mid Florida APBTA is and always will be an American Dog Breeders Association sanctioned club, but as you have heard us say so often we don't and won't stop there. Basic obedience opens up a whole new world to us.

Stay tuned as more is coming....one more thing, Duane is very intersted in our getting our junior handlers into obedience training with their puppies. If this is something you would be interested in please contact us now.

That's it for now......more later!

July Fun Show Recap!

Well, the July Mid Florida APBTA fun show has come and gone. I personally thought it was a great success with 83 total entries. There were some gorgeous pit bulls of all different body styles, types and characteristics. That is what our fun shows are about! Mid Florida is an American Dog Breeders Association sanctioned club, and we judge our conformation events by those standards, but all pit bulls are welcome to attend.
Since it is just absolutely too hot to ask our dogs to pull any substantial weight, Eva Noble offered a very successful weight pull workshop early in the morning. We hope those that attended now have a better understanding of the equipment needed, how to get your adult pit bull started, when you can safely begin your pup and what training methods and tools are available. We will soon be getting this information posted on our website (www.midfloridapitbulls.org)
We had the incredible opportunity to honor Hennessy, the female pit bull who saved her family from home intruders by awarding her a medal of bravery, a Proclamation declaring July 18th as Heroic Hennessy Day whereby all pit bull owners are to kiss their pit on the lips each and every year on this day forward, as well as two huge gift baskets put together by several of our very dedicated association members. Hennessy should have enough toys and treats to last for a quite a while! Thank you Hennessy and owners for joining us. We hope to see you back in the future!
We had a slew of fun events. Best Blue was awarded to Famous owned by Lesa Howell. Best Bully Male was awarded to Tomoko also owned by Lesa Howell. Best Bully Female was awarded to Memphis owned by Linda Castaneda. Best Brindle was awarded to Kira owned by Denise Wasdin. Best Black was awarded to LadyBug owned by Reid Hutches. Best Red Nose was awarded to Daddy’s Boy owned by Jimmie Lundeen. Best Rescue was awarded to Buster owned by Blue of Rugaz Rescue. Tim Floyd’s daughter was awarded Best Junior Handler with Bella and she did a knock-out job! Best Conditioned was awarded to a little scrappy dog that was "ripped" named Swamper owned by Justin Baltin! Judges Choice was awarded to Redman owned by Robert Gephardt. Best Puppy was awarded to Angel owned by Marion Strong. Best of Opposite Sex was awarded to Nigerina owned by Justin Baltin, and Best of Show was awarded to Havoc owned by Crystal Packard. We will get our age class winners up shortly! Stay tuned.
It was hot day for both dogs and handlers and we appreciate each and every one of you who came out and supported our event. And, our guest judge Max Rios informed me that next time he judges I need to be prepared to offer him a bottle of sun screen! You did a great job Max. We appreciate your continued support throughout the years.
Heath and happiness to each and every one of you and your pit bulls!