GNAW teaches community why animal cruelty can be a danger to people.
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Greater
Nashville Animal Welfare teaches community why animal cruelty can be a danger to people Dogs tied outside can unintentionally hang themselves, be bullied or attacked by other animals or humans who pass by, or accidentally spill their water or food.
Greater Nashville Animal Welfare’s (GNAW) goal is to educate Nashville area dog
owners about the dangers of tethering dogs and reduce the chances of fatal dog
attacks in our community.
This non-profit educational organization was founded in 2003 by Nashville
resident, Natalie Corwin. During her daily walks with her dog, Sophie, she
noticed many dogs were tied to stationary objects 24 hours a day. Several of
these dogs seemed aggressive, and she even witnessed a dog nearly hang itself on
its chain when it jumped over a 4 foot fence. After making calls to several city
agencies, Natalie realized that the owners were not breaking any laws, so
legally nothing could be done.
Dogs chained outside lead miserable lives. Many of them are isolated from social interaction for most of their lives, which animal behaviorists agree is the cruelest part about chaining. After prolonged periods of time, they can become aggressive. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concurred that chained dogs are nearly 3 times more likely to bite, which is why chaining your dog is not only dangerous to them, but also to the people around them.
Over the past 3 and a half years, GNAW has been reaching the community by attending festivals, neighborhood association meetings, creating an educational video, and teaching neighbors how to compassionately address the issue where they live. Recording artist and prominent Nashville resident Emmylou Harris has even joined the campaign, as she feels that “the humane treatment of animals speaks directly to the quality of life for animals and people alike; [it is] a reflection of us as a society, of Nashville as a city, and a testament to our better natureâ€.
Through the educational activities of GNAW, concerned citizens have created a bill to promote safer tethering. Bill No. 2006-1137 is sponsored by Council Representatives Jim Shulman and Billy Joe Walls. It had the first reading at the Metro Council meeting on August 1, 2006. The topic will be discussed in the Health and Hospitals Committee on August 15, 2006, and will receive a second reading later that evening at the Metro Council Meeting. Emmylou Harris will be attending the committee meeting and talking about the issue, along with representatives from local and national organizations with interests in the bill.
For more information on tethering and GNAW, contact Natalie Corwin at natalie@gnaw-tn.org or (615)364-9236 or visit www.GNAW-TN.org.
Dogs chained outside lead miserable lives. Many of them are isolated from social interaction for most of their lives, which animal behaviorists agree is the cruelest part about chaining. After prolonged periods of time, they can become aggressive. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concurred that chained dogs are nearly 3 times more likely to bite, which is why chaining your dog is not only dangerous to them, but also to the people around them.
Over the past 3 and a half years, GNAW has been reaching the community by attending festivals, neighborhood association meetings, creating an educational video, and teaching neighbors how to compassionately address the issue where they live. Recording artist and prominent Nashville resident Emmylou Harris has even joined the campaign, as she feels that “the humane treatment of animals speaks directly to the quality of life for animals and people alike; [it is] a reflection of us as a society, of Nashville as a city, and a testament to our better natureâ€.
Through the educational activities of GNAW, concerned citizens have created a bill to promote safer tethering. Bill No. 2006-1137 is sponsored by Council Representatives Jim Shulman and Billy Joe Walls. It had the first reading at the Metro Council meeting on August 1, 2006. The topic will be discussed in the Health and Hospitals Committee on August 15, 2006, and will receive a second reading later that evening at the Metro Council Meeting. Emmylou Harris will be attending the committee meeting and talking about the issue, along with representatives from local and national organizations with interests in the bill.
For more information on tethering and GNAW, contact Natalie Corwin at natalie@gnaw-tn.org or (615)364-9236 or visit www.GNAW-TN.org.
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