1. Getting Dogs Off Chains
Darcie Kurtz
Founder, Executive Director F.I.D.O. (Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside)
FIDOIndy.org ::

2. Who we are fighting for:

3. Who we are fighting for:

4. Who we are fighting for:

5. Getting Started Get dog supplies Get a van or truck Get signs, vests
Get handouts
Get a smile
Get a greeting
Get out there!

6. Getting Started Target low-income areas
Drive down alleys to find dogs in backyards
Go to front door and offer assistance
Keep it light and friendly
Keep it non-judgmental
Stay calm and stay safe

7. Dog Supplies Inside training crates Flea treatment Dog houses
Straw bedding
Dog food and treats
Collars and leashes
Long tie-outs

8. Spay/Neuter! Acquire S/N funding
Work free S/N into your outreach conversations
Try to fix every dog and cat you touch
Use free supplies and services as incentives
Offer S/N transport if needed

9. Getting Dogs Inside the House
Emphasize dogs are better protectors inside the house
At least overnight
Supporting Supplies:
training crates, chew toys
flea treatment
collars, leashes
Follow-up

10. Building Fences Make S/N a pre-requisite Great incentive for S/N
Use 6 ft tall chain-link kennel panels for ease of construction
Reinforce kennel for escape artists
Panels are movable for transient clients

11. Building Fences Provide guidance for putting 2 dogs together
Tie fence to house to facilitate bringing dogs inside
Try to get support from fencing companies
Charge a nominal fee
Follow up

12. Importance of Ordinances
Education and assistance is often not enough
Ordinances enable you to help people stay legal
People generally want to comply with ordinances
Or if all else fails, to legally get the dog removed to a better life

13. Improving Ordinances Make the ordinances specific:
No tethering between 11 pm and 6 am
No tethering if unaltered
No tethering of pups < 6 months old
Dogs cannot be outside when <20F or >90F
Very specific shelter requirements
Pen size must be at least 100 square feet

14. The Power of Elected Officials
Find a Champion for the Cause:
City Councilor
Animal Control Official
Prosecutor’s Office

15. The Power of “Us”
You do the leg-work
and research
Together you draft the proposal
You gather public support
Your official gets the votes

16. Educational Campaign
Because people can’t comply if they don’t know the law:
Mass media
Social media
Neighborhood meetings
Brochures
Bus Ads
Billboards

17. Partnering with Law Enforcement
Partner on Outreach with ACOs
Assist Animal Care and Control with their cases
Animal Care and Control is seen in a more positive light
Your organization is seen as having more clout

18. Partnering with Law Enforcement
The “Carrot” and the “Stick”
Address problems immediately:
Enable compliance
Impound as last resort
Animal Care and Control can get police assistance

19. Community Cats
Because where there are lots of chained dogs … … there are lots of community cats
Cats need our help too
Carry cat food and cat flea treatment
Arrange for S/N for friendly community cats
Partner with TNR group to follow up for ferals

20. Pitfalls Don’t go out after dark Don’t go alone Don’t trespass
Don’t interact with dogs unless owner gives the okay

21. More Pitfalls Don’t approach chained dogs
Don’t forget to look for loose dogs
Don’t forget to train volunteers on responding to dog attacks/bites
Don’t be discouraged by rejection or hostility

22. Pearls (of wisdom)
Most people are receptive to help
If you feel threatened, step away
Offer most everything for free, to get your foot in the door
Don’t push S/N too hard, too soon

23. More Pearls Don’t make people feel singled out as a bad owner
Stay calm, be honest, look people in the eye
Look for the good in people, accept less than perfect
Follow up, follow up, follow up!

24. Work that Remains Weak state animal welfare laws
Animals are property in Indiana
Communities across the state have weak dog care and treatment ordinances
Communities across the state lack effective animal care and control agencies

25. What It’s All About
Before
After

26. What It’s All About