Dear DeKalb County:

I hear that you’re debating whether or not to ban the practice of chaining animals unattended outdoors. It’s always good to hear both sides of the story. Animal lovers and activists state that this is a necessary step to protect the safety and wellbeing of DeKalb’s animal population. However, CEO Vernon Jones doesn’t agree. In fact, he apparently got his own dog’s opinion on the matter:

“I tie Katie to a tree. It’s in the shade. She digs her holes; she loves it.”

Well, with all due respect to Katie, I still don’t think it’s a good idea. First of all, I don’t think anyone would agree that it’s particularly enjoyable to sit outside all day long in the heat and humidity of Atlanta’s summers even in the shade.

Second, in response to Commissioner Johnson’s remark regarding that “some dogs are so aggressive that they should be chained up,” chaining them may be counterintuitive. Chained dogs can be more dangerous than free-running dogs because territorial behaviors are amplified when chained. Confined animals are sensitive to protecting their water and food and may act out when they are approached. Dogs that are teased or prodded while chained have no place to run. Aggression builds, and they may attack out of fear and frustration.

Or maybe Commissioner Johnson forgot to ask his dog’s opinion.