Parkland Adopts Ordinance Prohibiting The 24/7 Chaining Of Dogs

By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

“Break the chain,” 13-year-old Allie Rietrib pleaded to Parkland city commissioners.

Rietrib and Westglades Middle School P.A.W.S. Club members were successful in swaying city commissioners to adopt an ordinance which prohibits the 24/7 chaining of dogs.

The newly adopted dog tethering ordinance makes it illegal to tether dogs under certain situations, particularly during the hours of 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Chaining or tethering refers to the practice of tying a dog to a stationary object as a means of keeping the animal confined. This does not refer to periods when animals are being walked on a leash.

“That’s the hottest part of the day,” said Parkland City Manager Caryn Gardner-Young referring to the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. restriction time.

The issue of dog tethering was brought to the City Commissions’ attention by P.A.W.S. (Promoting Animal Welfare In School) Club of Westglades Middle School. The students informed the Commission of the dangers that animals face when they are confined by tethering or chains.

“It is cruel to leave them chained up by themselves. Chained dogs become lonely and aggressive. A wandering toddler could easily be a victim of a territorial dog protecting its space,” said Alexandra Bello of the Westglades P.A.W.S. Club.

Westglades P.A.W.S. Club members are part of a nation-wide Humane Society’s Break The Chain campaign, which has the goal of banning 24/7 dog tethering. An animal that is confined or tethered is more likely to cause injury or harm to people, itself or other animals.

Gardner-Young said the city of Parkland has not had a major issue with dog chaining. However, “The city commission felt it was important to adopt something. It has not really been an issue, but just because it is not, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.”

Westglades P.A.W.S. sponsor Liliana Pardo-Posse said the club was formed to bring awareness about various animal issues and environmental concerns to the school, as well as the community.

“Our goal is to educate the students and community about treating animals in a humane way,” said Pardo-Posse, a social worker at Westglades Middle School in Parkland.

The club sponsor said her 15 student members were successful in keeping dogs safe in the city of Parkland.

“The response from the city was great. Also, it was a great experience for kids to participate in the democratic process,” she said.

Besides convincing commissioners to adopt an ordinance, the students have also promoted animal welfare in other ways. The club recently participated in “The Walk for the Animals” to benefit the Humane Society of Broward County and collected over $1,500 and walked as a “pack” under the name, Howling for PAWS. More than 4,500 fellow animal lovers and dogs recently participated in the Humane Society of Broward County’s “18th Annual Walk for the Animals” presented by VCA Animal Hospitals. The event raised over $470,000 for the homeless animals.

In addition, the Break The Chain spokesperson Officer Anthony Vincent visited the school to speak about animal cruelty and aiding animals. He brought Nikki, a formerly chained dog that was rescued.

Students Allie Rietrib and Dimon Hamilton said they learned much about helping animals.

“I’ve learned that animals have feelings too. If you treat an animal badly, the animal will treat you the same,” said Rietrib.

Hamilton added, “Dogs don’t deserve to stay on chains all the time. They should have free time to roam around and play.”