Unchain a Dog Month - January 2025 | Spirit Of The Holidays

Every dog has his day or month and that month is here! January is Unchain a Dog Month. There is nothing a dog likes better than being free. These beautiful creatures thrive on the love and companionship of their human friends. Being tethered for long hours is detrimental to their physical and psychological health. Unfortunately, many dogs across the globe live in chains, in backyards, in cramped spaces, sometimes battling extreme cold or heat. Unchain A Dog Month was created to spread awareness about these conditions. So, encourage people to bring the dogs in this winter. A home is where they belong.

Unchain a Dog Month timeline

2011

New Law for NY Dog Owners

Tethering dogs for more than 3 hours within a 12-hour period become illegal in New York.

2005

4-Year-Old Attacked by Chained Dog

In Virginia, this was a death that shook the nation and forced animal activists to demand stricter anti-tethering laws that result in safety for both humans and dogs.

1997

No Dog to Be Continuously Chained

It’s the law! People and organizations regulated by the Animal Welfare Act cannot keep dogs continuously chained.

July 2, 1996

USDA Calls Tethering Inhuman

USDA issues a statement calling "continuous confinement of dogs by a tether" inhumane.

How to Observe Unchain a Dog Month

Adopt a dog

Be the change. Rescue a dog that is forced to spend its days chained, confined or is unwanted.

Offer a doggy day in or out

Offer to watch a friend’s dog. Get him home on a cold day, or weather permitting, take him to the dog park to play with his canine friends. Your reward? A furry friend for life!

Have a leash-free dog party

Dog treats, party favors and some great music to bark along. May we suggest -- "Who let the dogs out".

Why Unchain a Dog Month is Important

Because we are all born free

We come into this world alive, kicking and free. So why chain anybody! Unchain A Dog Month gives thousands of neglected and chained dogs a chance to a better life by creating awareness.

A dog is a man's best friend

The first hunters had dogs by their side. Since then the canine-human friendship has come a long way. Dogs have proved to be loyal and loving. Excessive tethering is cruel and makes dogs aggressive resulting in unpleasant incidents.

Dogs make us human

Dogs bring out the best in us. We learn to love, care and share, qualities that make us essentially human. When we reach out to a dog in need we do our bit in making the world better for all creatures that live in it.

Also on Wed Jan 1, 2025...