Dog-owners’ use of shock collars is inhumane
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Dear Annie: I have never written you before. Hoping you will give some space to this subject. I pray dog owners choosing to use a bark collar will see themselves as their neighbors do.
Dog ownership in our neighborhood has risen tenfold in the past five years. We have chosen not to have a dog — but love them and frequently dog-sit for our friends and relatives. Here is the problem: incessant barking and extremely irresponsible, cruel dog-owning neighbors. We are talking one- to four-hour stretches of barking.
One neighbor leaves for work. His two dogs have a dog door and free access to the outside at any time. When the dogs decide for themselves to go out, the barking is constant for as long as the owner’s shift lasts.
Two other neighbors have resorted to using bark collars that shock their dogs. This is absolutely inhumane. I can barely stand it to hear the dogs screaming in pain when those irresponsible owners hit the buzz button — at their random convenience. The inconsistency just makes it even more confusing for the dogs, I’m sure.
Owners, please stop using bark collars. You have deluded yourselves into thinking that you are being consistent, that it is an effective means of training and that it doesn’t hurt the dog.
Reconsider your need to own a dog if you do not have the time or means to devote to proper training and adjust your life to your individual dog’s needs and personality. Do some soulsearching, and do what is right for your dog.
We live in a small rural community with very few resources, so options for reporting and taking action to address situations such as these are extremely limited. Thanks for letting me vent.
— Weary of the Cruelty
Dear Weary: Thank you for writing about this important issue. I’m printing it here in hopes that anyone guilty of these offenses will reconsider this behavior. You’re right; the shock collars are not only cruel but also ineffective.
People who have to leave dogs alone all day while they work should consider hiring dog walkers to visit and tire them out during the day. Visit http://www.humane society.org for more tips on keeping animal companions happy.