Breaking the 24/7 Dog Chain

I’ve had the pleasure of working recently with a group of animal rights advocates in Colorado.  They are working to overturn a state law and regulatory system that permits the chaining of dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Krabloonik retaurant in Snowmass is the focus of their efforts.  In the winter, the restaurant offers popular dogsledding tours in addition to fine cuisine.

But once the snow is gone, the Krabloonik owner chains his dozens of dogs to rudimentary shelters on the property (see photo below).  Through the entire offseason, the dogs remain chained to their shelter, 24 hours a day.

As a result, the dogs can go no more than 5-6 feet from their shelter for months at a time.  They receive little to no exercise and some suffer wounds and other health problems as a result.  In the past, the owner has legally shot and killed the dogs that are no longer productive.

“Voices for the Krabloonik Dogs” is a local group seeking to improve conditions at Krabloonik and throughout the state.  Their goal is the enactment of more human tethering regulations that would prevent the 24/7 chaining of dogs.

Advocates have met with the Krabloonik owner, but not much changed.  They’ve also spoken with state and local officials and are now starting to take their message to the public at large. They’re hopeful that a public outcry over the conditions will result in positive change.

Click here to read a recent article published in the Aspen Daily News.  For more photos and information about the campaign, or to get involved, visit the Voices for the Krabloonik Dogs website.