Letter: Not banning continuous tethering puts dogs at risk of suffering heatstroke

There’s no end in sight to the stifling temperatures engulfing the area, and for many dogs who are left chained or penned outside, the heat spells suffering and a prolonged, agonizing death. Every day, PETA fieldworkers find tethered dogs in Bertie County who are deprived of shelter, shade, water, and food — all of which are critical, especially during this dangerously hot weather.

The Bertie County Board of Commissioners could save dogs by banning continuous tethering and using emergency calls to warn residents about the dangers of leaving dogs outside. But despite repeated urging and multiple dog deaths by exposure to extreme temperatures and/or neglect, they’ve done nothing. Their apparent indifference and refusal to improve animal welfare means that many more dogs will suffer and die this summer — unless changes happen quickly.

Thirty miles down the road, the town of Rich Square, in Northampton County, voted unanimously to ban tethering. How many more dogs must die in Bertie County before its commissioners wake up and do the right thing?

Residents, please get involved. Call, email, and write to county leaders demanding stronger protections for dogs. If you see a dog suffering without adequate shade or water or exhibiting signs of heat-related stress (such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, impaired balance or coordination, lethargy, or having a seizure), please call the police immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can kill in minutes.

DAPHNA NACHMINOVITCH

Norfolk, Virginia

Editor's note: The author is senior vice president of the Cruelty Investigations Department for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.