Article Summary
In recent times, Detroit has been grappling with a disturbing issue of unwanted dogs chained up across the city. Despite laws in place to prohibit such actions, enforcement has been a significant challenge due to the city’s limited resources.
Nonprofit group, the K-9 Animal Rescue Emergency Networking System (the KARENS), has been actively trying to mitigate this problem by providing dog houses and legal tethers to these forgotten pets. Our mission is to ensure every dog has a safe and comfortable living environment. However, we’ve encountered instances where our assistance was misused, leading to heartbreaking outcomes for some dogs.
Our team found numerous cases of dogs illegally confined on heavy chains or left without shelter, food, or water. These conditions are not only illegal but also inhumane and detrimental to the overall neighborhood environment.
Despite the city’s responsibility to enforce animal laws, Lori Sowle, the interim director of Detroit Animal Care and Control, stated that the public plays a crucial role in enforcing the city’s dog-chaining rules. The difficulty lies in the fact that a violation can only be reported if someone witnesses a dog being chained for more than three hours straight—an impractical ask for most residents.
We believe change is necessary. The current law, as it stands, is challenging to enforce and needs revising to better protect our four-legged friends. We’ve reached out to Detroit City Council members and Mayor Mike Duggan, urging them to address this pressing issue.
The situation is dire, but we remain hopeful. Together, with community support, we can work towards a future where no dog is left forgotten or neglected. Let’s continue to strive for a Detroit where every dog is treated with the love, care, and respect they deserve.
