Have you ever gone by a house in your town where the same dog is chained outside all the time?

In February of this year, a severely neglected 13-year old dog, chained to a fence for her entire life, was discovered and removed by a local rescue organization.  Sadly, this documented case of abuse is an all too common occurrence. In fact, it may be the most pervasive form of domestic animal cruelty we have in Maine today, especially given our harsh winters.

This year, Maine Friends of Animals is making this its focus issue - what we call ‘dogs chained for life.' The campaign is to educate the public, the media and legislators so that we can work together to end this needless animal abuse.

Their physical plight is only a portion of the story as these dogs suffer immeasurably mentally. It is simply cruel to leave such a social animal outside alone without even minimal social contact with other dogs or humans week after week, month after month, night after night.

As you know, running a statewide campaign to change and strengthen the law takes funding. In the last legislative session, Maine Friends of Animals was successful in making Maine the first state in the nation to pass legislation that specifically requires stricter requirements for dogs left continuously outside unattended.  With the momentum of our campaign, we plan to go back to the legislature and strengthen the laws that will further discourage and prevent people from having dogs they won't treat humanely.  Through our public education campaign and stronger laws, we hope to end this miserable condition that no dog should have to suffer.

Our chances of being successful are closely tied to the money required to fund a year-long campaign. Your donation is needed.

We are scheduling events around the state this summer and fall (for details, please contact your MFOA District Coordinator ). Our efforts to ‘Break the Chain in Maine' will only be deterred by lack of funding. Please donate whatever you can today. Every dollar you donate will go directly to removing these loving animals from their miserable conditions. Man's best friend certainly deserves better.

For the animals,

Deb Trudeau
Fundraising Director

P.S.  MFOA has a new template and formatting for our email "Action Alert & Update." We will be sending more information via the Internet now, so if you are not already on our list, we encourage you to send us your email address at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

P.S.  Watch for MFOA's ‘Dogs Chained for Life' public service announcement (60 second video) on your regional and local television stations this fall and winter.