Forsyth County Considers Outlawing Dog Tethering

The Forsyth County Commission said that it will develop and write a new county ordinance that would ban the use of tethering or chaining dogs. This news came after a meeting this week in which animal advocates from the area crowded the room with their support for such a law, which already exists in 12 other counties around North Carolina.

Who would benefit from a tethering law? According to supporters of the law, which include members of the Forsyth County Humane Society, both dogs and humans would come out ahead. Many find tethering to be inhumane, as it prevents dogs from exercising and interacting with humans and other dogs. Others say that tethered dog are often ignored for hours, left in harsh weather conditions, or left without food and water.

On the other side of the issue, tethering ban advocates say that a tethered dog is more likely to be aggressive and more likely to bite – both because of its lack of socialization and because it feels threatened and territorial while chained. In addition, while a fenced dog is secured from others, such as children and passers-by, tethered dogs are exposed to others, giving them more of an opportunity to bite, especially if approached.

Have you or a loved one been attacked by a tethered dog in North Carolina? Speak with a Forsyth County dog bite attorney today.