The leader of the initiative group for the protection of animal rights, Elena Marchenko, told the "ElitExpert" agency why it is impossible to keep animals on a leash and what consequences this can lead to.
"Is there life on chains? Of course not! There is only one suffering. But in the modern world, it is not enough to simply understand or intuitively know the answer to this question. Scientific justification is required and it exists, - noted Elena Marchenko. — The scientific achievements of mankind make it possible to clearly answer the question why it is impossible to constantly keep a dog or another animal on a leash or in a closed small space. The famous scientist, neurophysiologist Pavel Vasilyevich Simonov introduced the classification of unconditional reflexes, divided them into three main groups: vital (drinking, food, etc.), zoosocial (sexual, parental, territorial, group hierarchy) and self-development reflex.
As Elena Marchenko emphasizes, unconditional reflexes are mandatory to perform, without the satisfaction of which the animal cannot live at all, or this life turns into hell.
«Such mandatory reflexes include the reflexes of freedom, research and play. And a dog that lives on a leash 24/7 or most of the day does not have the opportunity to satisfy these obligatory reflexes, which is why it suffers every second, its mental activity is disturbed, it becomes physically ill. That is, an animal cannot afford active mobility, running, playing, exploring the world sufficient for its species. In addition, the animal is deprived of the opportunity to realize zoosocial reflexes, i.e. communicate with others similar to themselves, build relationships. Thus, an animal fixed in a small, limited space, be it a chain, leash, enclosure or other fixing barriers, is doomed to constant suffering.
In 2011, neurophysiologists in Cambridge declared that animals have self-awareness. That is, they recognize themselves as individuals and the suffering we cause them.
Considering the above, the logical conclusion is that people do not have the right to cause suffering to animals by prolonged fixation", - emphasized Elena Marchenko.
Now in Ukraine the Law "On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty" is in effect, which prohibits the keeping of animals in conditions that make it impossible for them to be sufficiently active, and do not allow animals to contact their own kind. Violation of the conditions of keeping animals under Article 89 of the Administrative Code is punishable by a fine of about 5 thousand hryvnias, including the confiscation of the animal.
«Does this mean that dogs living in apartments also fall under the category of deprived? If the owners walk their dogs outside at least 2 times a day, in a sufficient space, and give the dog the opportunity to contact its peers, then there is no violation. But for dogs to fully realize their natural need for freedom and active movements, it is necessary to organize fenced areas for dog walks everywhere.
Please remember that animals are not our slaves, they are our neighbors on planet Earth. Treat them with respect, help them!", — concluded Elena Marchenko
