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Freedom for Chained Dogs

Group advocates for unchained dogs

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1637932.shtml?cat=500

Posted at: 07/04/2010 10:07 AM | Updated at: 07/04/2010 10:45 AM
By: Taryn Bianchin, KOB.com

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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO -- A group of protesters brought out the chains Saturday to raise awareness about the way dogs are treated.

Members of the groups "Babes and Bullies" and "Dogs Deserve Better" spent much of their day chained to doghouses at University and Central.

Their message: While Americans celebrate their freedom this weekend, dogs are suffering from being confined to chains in yards.

Taura Ribera of Babes & Bullies explains further: "Dogs, when they are put on chains, are neglected (and) don't get attention. They become aggressive. they become not safe for the rest of the community."

Dogs Deserve Better says there are more than 6 million dogs across the country being kept on chains.

We also were on KOAT news but they did not link their story to the internet. They said we would have to contact Albuquerque Media something and get a copy of it. I can do that this week and have it mailed to PA for them to put on the web-site.

Also, High Desert Dog Magazine came out and are putting Chain Off in next month's issue, which will be available online. So we'll have to update that later.

Babes and Bullies had their photographer come out and get photos of everyone.

 

More About NM Chain Off via 'Scoop' Blog

 

Personal account of Debbie and Steve

This event was especially exciting for me because about five years ago I discovered the DDB web site and read the horrific story of 'Doogie'. This story broke my heart and at the same time inspired me to be brave when I'm faced with the challenge of saving an animal(s) from chaining, neglect,abandonment and abuse. To finally have the DDB event in my home town was a blessing. Finally Albuquerque, NM would be witness to those of us who love animals and believe in their right to a full happy life with a loving family enough to chain ourselves in protest against chaining dogs (and any animal who is mistreated in this manner).

I was not witness to the news media KOB TV in Albuquerque who finally arrived and did a very short story on the protest. They didn't talk to Amanda or Angela the women who put DDB "Chain Off' together, but the young lady who was interviewed did a good job covering the primary points of why not chaining dogs is important.

I'm so proud to have been a part of this event (even though each time I looked at the photos of the chained dogs, I cried). To date I have rescued over 25 dogs 7 of whom were chained in horrific conditions on my own. I now work with a small network (Animal Alliance and now DDB) I am a 'field worker' meaning I search for chaining, neglect, abandonment and abuse cases. I then follow the chain of command in order to try to get help for the animals. After a few often failed attempts I write to upper management, commissioners, public safety officers, zoning. I also take photos and document each time I contact Animal Welfare and what their response time was. The incident numbers help me track each case.

As you already know this work is not easy emotionally or physically, but it is so worth it when an animal is removed from a bad situation and placed in a positive one.

I plan to attend next years event and hopefully help put it together.

Debbie and Steve

Photographs by Rafael De la Fuente

Las Cruses, New Mexico