Piedmont Pets
For Thursday, April 16, 2020
A new law will go into effect in Virginia on July 1, 2020. This law is the first step in giving help to companion animals that spend their entire lives tethered. S.B. 272 and H.B. 1552 were introduced by Senator John Bell and Delegate Mark Levine, respectively.
For a couple years, anti-tethering bills were introduced in the Virginia General Assembly and defeated for a variety of reasons. The two bills that were ultimately signed into law this year make it illegal to keep a companion animal tethered under certain weather conditions.
The inherent inhumanness of keeping companion animals chained 24/7/365 is one issue that most animal welfare organizations agree on. We were honored when we were approached by Daphna Nachminovitch of PETA to attend a meeting in Richmond to “work out the kinks” of the proposed bills. We were asked to talk about Danville’s anti-tethering ordinance, especially as it relates to weather conditions.
In 1992, shortly after I began working for the humane society, I received a call from a man who said he had heard a dog barking in the woods behind his house for several days, but he didn’t hear the barking anymore. An animal control officer went to the address, and found the body of a dog. The dog’s chain had become entangled in bushes, and he simply starved to death. At that time, I was more protected from such things, and was haunted by that story. The officer (at that time, Animal Control officers were police officers with that special assignment) told me I should work on making it illegal to keep dogs on chains. The task seemed too great at that time. Through the years, the officer kept asking when something was going to be done about keeping dogs off chains.
A first step we took to help chained dogs was about 18 years ago when the board changed the adoption guidelines to not permit adopted dogs to be kept on chains. We have been criticized for that in the past; however, that is a mainstream adoption policy now.
We choose our battles wisely, and helping to get dogs off chains is worth all the effort, heartache, and criticism.
We have investigated complaints of and received thousands of chained dogs that suffer from a variety of conditions, including embedded chains, emaciation, various infections, and diseases. Many times, they have only dilapidated, inadequate doghouses, slimy green water, and either no food or spoiled food. Chained dogs offer very little protection from people seeking to do harm. Chained dogs are at risk of being stolen and being attacked by other animals. A chained female dog will always have puppies. Never once have I witnessed a dog who was not happy to be freed from his chains, even when that dog is unsocialized or aggressive.
Several years ago, we investigated a cruelty complaint involving an elderly cat that was kept on a chain outside. At another time, we seized a little kitten that was being kept on a chain on a second story balcony. That kitten was in constant danger of being hanged from the balcony. Those cases helped us to see that any prohibition against chaining must include all companion animals, not just dogs.
Our first tethering ban in Danville became law in 2007 and was strengthened in 2018. We support the new statewide prohibition, although it is only a first step.
For Thursday, April 16, 2020
A new law will go into effect in Virginia on July 1, 2020. This law is the first step in giving help to companion animals that spend their entire lives tethered. S.B. 272 and H.B. 1552 were introduced by Senator John Bell and Delegate Mark Levine, respectively.
For a couple years, anti-tethering bills were introduced in the Virginia General Assembly and defeated for a variety of reasons. The two bills that were ultimately signed into law this year make it illegal to keep a companion animal tethered under certain weather conditions.
The inherent inhumanness of keeping companion animals chained 24/7/365 is one issue that most animal welfare organizations agree on. We were honored when we were approached by Daphna Nachminovitch of PETA to attend a meeting in Richmond to “work out the kinks” of the proposed bills. We were asked to talk about Danville’s anti-tethering ordinance, especially as it relates to weather conditions.
In 1992, shortly after I began working for the humane society, I received a call from a man who said he had heard a dog barking in the woods behind his house for several days, but he didn’t hear the barking anymore. An animal control officer went to the address, and found the body of a dog. The dog’s chain had become entangled in bushes, and he simply starved to death. At that time, I was more protected from such things, and was haunted by that story. The officer (at that time, Animal Control officers were police officers with that special assignment) told me I should work on making it illegal to keep dogs on chains. The task seemed too great at that time. Through the years, the officer kept asking when something was going to be done about keeping dogs off chains.
A first step we took to help chained dogs was about 18 years ago when the board changed the adoption guidelines to not permit adopted dogs to be kept on chains. We have been criticized for that in the past; however, that is a mainstream adoption policy now.
We choose our battles wisely, and helping to get dogs off chains is worth all the effort, heartache, and criticism.
We have investigated complaints of and received thousands of chained dogs that suffer from a variety of conditions, including embedded chains, emaciation, various infections, and diseases. Many times, they have only dilapidated, inadequate doghouses, slimy green water, and either no food or spoiled food. Chained dogs offer very little protection from people seeking to do harm. Chained dogs are at risk of being stolen and being attacked by other animals. A chained female dog will always have puppies. Never once have I witnessed a dog who was not happy to be freed from his chains, even when that dog is unsocialized or aggressive.
Several years ago, we investigated a cruelty complaint involving an elderly cat that was kept on a chain outside. At another time, we seized a little kitten that was being kept on a chain on a second story balcony. That kitten was in constant danger of being hanged from the balcony. Those cases helped us to see that any prohibition against chaining must include all companion animals, not just dogs.
Our first tethering ban in Danville became law in 2007 and was strengthened in 2018. We support the new statewide prohibition, although it is only a first step.
Danville Area Humane Society
For Immediate Release
April 3, 2020
Contact: Paulette Dean (434) 799-5306
The Danville Area Humane Society is thrilled to announce that a permanent fund has been established to expand its pet food distribution program. The Mary Dean Pet Food Bank will immediately begin operating by handing out food to elderly and disadvantaged pet owners who temporarily need help. The beloved grandchildren, nephew, and daughters of Mary Dean contributed to the fund as a way of honoring her on April 9th, her 88th birthday. Tony Hyler, the father of our shelter manager, April Hogan, and board members also provided funds.
Mary Dean is the mother of the director, Paulette Dean, and local author and freelance writer, Susan Elzey. She also worked at the front desk of the shelter for 18 years. She was originally asked in 2000 to work three days each week while the receptionist went on maternity leave; however, the receptionist never returned. Mary’s strong work ethic and devotion to animals was greatly appreciated until her retirement in late 2018.
“We have always assisted people who have called us for help in providing food for their pets,” said Dean, “but this will enable us to expand this service. It will continue beyond this time of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
We have partnered with the Danville Police Department. Officers, under special circumstances, will deliver the food to elderly Danville residents, as well as others in Danville with health challenges that would keep them from being able to pick up the food. As always, we appreciate the heroes in the Danville Police Department.
People interested in receiving pet food should call the shelter at 799-0843.
The fund will operate on donated funds and food. Taxpayer money we receive from the City of Danville will not be used for the fund, neither will food donated by stores for the shelter animals. Anyone who wishes to contribute money may do so through our PayPal link on our Facebook page or by mailing a check to: P.O. Bo 3352, Danville, VA 24543. Checks may be written to DAHS, with a note that it is to be used for the Mary Dean Pet Food Bank. Donations of food may be brought to the animal shelter at 996 South Boston Road in Danville.
799-0843 P.O. Box 3352 Danville, VA 24543 www.dahsinc.com
Piedmont Pets by Paulette Dean
Piedmont Pets
April 10, 2020
The South is blessed with beautiful foliage, and crape myrtle trees are among the prettiest, in my opinion. I have a beautiful one outside of my kitchen window. In the spring and summer, the vibrant pink blooms cover the entire tree, and in the fall, the leaves are a brilliant yellow.
One winter day, I stayed in the car for a few extra minutes after church because I didn’t want to disturb the birds feeding at my bird feeder. The mourning doves and finches ate, but remained on alert for hawks and outside cats. They flew away when I opened the window to take a picture of them. The crape myrtle tree had lost all of its leaves, but I thought the bare branches of the tree looked so pretty against the blue sky. We were going through a hard time at work, with many cruelty investigations and many difficult people with whom to deal. On that bleak winter day, as I looked at the bare branches, I felt bleak. It was hard to be carefree as the “ravenous wolves” seemed to thirst for our downfall.
And then, I saw a beautiful red cardinal hiding in the branches. He was barely visible, but once I noticed him, he added a pretty splash of color to the picture. The entire tree seemed to be prettier.
No doubt about it, the world is experiencing bleak times. Very few places on this beautiful earth of ours have not been affected by a deadly virus. The news is quite sobering and the obvious change in our daily routine can be depressing and overwhelming.
During times like this, let us all look for the beautiful cardinal among the branches. As Mr. Rogers’ mother told him during a scary time, “Look for the helpers.” Her wise counsel serves us well today.
We are grateful for the healthcare providers, the first responders, the grocery store workers, and restaurant staff. We appreciate the ones who still go to work at pharmacies to provide us medication. We are thankful for those who still work to provide electricity, garbage pick-up, water, and plumbing. Have we forgotten anyone? Probably so. In the United States, we have many red cardinal helpers among us.
Of course, let us not forget the companion animals who may not understand what we are experiencing, but they do what comes naturally to them – they nurture us and calm us. Perhaps nature has known all along that our companion animals are the best red cardinals of all.
April 10, 2020
The South is blessed with beautiful foliage, and crape myrtle trees are among the prettiest, in my opinion. I have a beautiful one outside of my kitchen window. In the spring and summer, the vibrant pink blooms cover the entire tree, and in the fall, the leaves are a brilliant yellow.
One winter day, I stayed in the car for a few extra minutes after church because I didn’t want to disturb the birds feeding at my bird feeder. The mourning doves and finches ate, but remained on alert for hawks and outside cats. They flew away when I opened the window to take a picture of them. The crape myrtle tree had lost all of its leaves, but I thought the bare branches of the tree looked so pretty against the blue sky. We were going through a hard time at work, with many cruelty investigations and many difficult people with whom to deal. On that bleak winter day, as I looked at the bare branches, I felt bleak. It was hard to be carefree as the “ravenous wolves” seemed to thirst for our downfall.
And then, I saw a beautiful red cardinal hiding in the branches. He was barely visible, but once I noticed him, he added a pretty splash of color to the picture. The entire tree seemed to be prettier.
No doubt about it, the world is experiencing bleak times. Very few places on this beautiful earth of ours have not been affected by a deadly virus. The news is quite sobering and the obvious change in our daily routine can be depressing and overwhelming.
During times like this, let us all look for the beautiful cardinal among the branches. As Mr. Rogers’ mother told him during a scary time, “Look for the helpers.” Her wise counsel serves us well today.
We are grateful for the healthcare providers, the first responders, the grocery store workers, and restaurant staff. We appreciate the ones who still go to work at pharmacies to provide us medication. We are thankful for those who still work to provide electricity, garbage pick-up, water, and plumbing. Have we forgotten anyone? Probably so. In the United States, we have many red cardinal helpers among us.
Of course, let us not forget the companion animals who may not understand what we are experiencing, but they do what comes naturally to them – they nurture us and calm us. Perhaps nature has known all along that our companion animals are the best red cardinals of all.