The HSUS/Joanne Bourbeau

Dogs and their owners converge on the New Hampshire Statehouse.

New Hampshire residents converged on the Statehouse lawn in October to bring attention to the plight of outdoor dogs, often relegated to a life void of companionship on the end of a tether. The Million Dog March didn’t quite reach the desired mark, but more than 100 animal welfare advocates were there with their dogs to lend support to a legislative proposal that will make improvements to the existing law addressing shelter of outdoor animals.

The event was coordinated by local animal welfare advocate and HSUS member Jean Slepian, and sponsored by The HSUS, the New Hampshire Animal Rights League, and the New Hampshire Federation of Humane Organizations.

The state’s animal cruelty statute does not require that outdoor dogs have a doghouse, does not make any provision for bedding or sanitation, and does not place any restrictions on chaining or tethering.

Although most complaints received by the state’s cruelty investigators in the wintertime relate to inadequate dog shelter, it is very difficult to intervene because the current law is non-specific. The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Carla Skinder (D-Cornish), Rep. D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem), and others, represents a bipartisan effort to improve the lives of Granite State canines. Similar efforts in 2004 and 2006 were both defeated.

“Even though research has shown us that tethering contributes to dog aggression and ultimately more dog bites, and common sense tells us that dogs who spend their entire lives outside tied to substandard shelters are miserable, New Hampshire has not yet joined other states that have passed laws to regulate this inhumane practice,” said HSUS New England Regional Director Joanne Bourbeau at the rally. “Our law books tell us that pets are property, but those of us who share a home with a companion animal would beg to differ.

Eleven states and the District of Columbia have already passed similar laws.  

“There is nothing quite as powerful and uniquely wonderful as the human/animal bond,” Bourbeau said. “We’re committed to making sure that if pet owners are going to ignore the emotional needs of their pets, they, at the very least, are required to provide for their physical needs.”

For more information on how you can help with the effort, go to www.give-us-shelter.com.