Orange County Animal Services 2769 Conroy Rd. Orlando, FL 32839
Contact: Vanessa Bouffard (407) 254-9141
For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, Fla.—Nov. 11, 2008—Imagine being chained to a tree year after year. Imagine watching the door hoping someone will come out to play. No one ever does. You long to run, but you can only pace. You shiver in winter and pant in summer. Eventually, you stop barking. You have given up hope. This was a recurring story in Orange County until July 2005 when the Orange County Board of County Commissioners decided to pave a new path for dogs in our community.

On July 12, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a progressive Animal Ordinance named the "Myles Leakes Animal Service Ordinance" that imposed chaining restrictions for pet owners. The chaining ordinance was largely a result of community feedback following the death of Myles Leakes, a 4-year-old boy who was mauled by two chained dogs.

Orange County Animal Services is continuously enforcing this law—and in light of recent events involving chained dogs attacking small children in our area and the winter season approaching—the agency's officers are on high alert. The animal ordinance states no person shall chain an animal during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round or in cases of extreme weather. An owner's first offense will result in a $265.00 citation while the second offense will require a mandatory appearance in court.

"The law affects everyone because a large majority of bite victims are small children and others who are unaware of the dangers that a chained dog can cause to humans and other animals," says Orange County Animal Services Manager Katherine Lockett.

The Center for Disease Control has found that a chained dog is three times more likely to bite and becomes more aggressive and territorial than it might be in a different environment. In addition, there is an 80 percent chance any dog that bites is male, not neutered and chained.

"The focus of 'Operation Unchain' is to not only give our citizens information about the law but also to provide alternatives to chaining their dogs," says Lockett, "We launched a new web page with key information and resources to help citizens with transitioning their dogs off chains."  For more information about Orange County's chaining restrictions please dial 3-1-1 or visit www.ocfl.net/operationunchain.

Orange County Animal Services is one of Central Florida's largest pet rescue and adoption centers.  Last year alone, Animal Services received more than 24,000 animals at its shelter. The agency's mission is to give abandoned and neglected pets a second chance to live long and healthy lives in safe, loving homes.

###