Chain Free Beaufort is dedicated to stopping the inhumane and cruel practice of chaining dogs to stationary objects for their entire lives. Imagine being chained to a tree year after year. You watch the door hoping someone will come play; No one ever does. You long to run, but you can only pace. You shiver in winter and pant in summer. Eventually, you stop barking. You have given up hope. Our goal is also to educate those who chain their dogs about the dangerous consequences that often result in a chaining situation. In addition to The Humane Society of the United States and numerous animal experts, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement in the July 2, 1996, Federal Register against tethering: "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury." In 1997, the USDA ruled that people and organizations regulated by the Animal Welfare Act cannot keep dogs continuously chained The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has also stated "Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior." The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concluded in a study that the dogs most likely to attack are male, un-neutered, and chained. Our education program includes materials pertinent to the effects of tethering dogs, hands-on canine obedience training, and instructional seminars on basic animal care. Target venues include classroom speaking engagements in community schools and public forums. Chain Free Beaufort endeavors to help the animal and their owners by providing alternative solutions to chaining. Alternatives may include providing fencing and installation, and training to encourage owners to house their pets in their homes. Chained dogs frequently do not receive basic veterinary care. Often animals are injured, malnourished, parasite-infested; their fur is matted and they may have mange and other parasites. Condition is judged on a case-by-case basis and recovery deemed appropriate to each circumstance. Chain Free Beaufort endeavors to provide chained animals with comprehensive care to restore health and well-being. This may include the following: • Vaccines • Spay/Neuter • Heartworm test and heartworm treatment • Parasite treatment, including de-worming • Other veterinary expenses to help restore the chained animals’ health • Grooming • Flea and tick treatment • Fencing, associated materials and labor Chain Free Beaufort anticipates the majority of funding to come from private donations and grants, as available. We seek donations through fund-raising events, on-line donation, personal contact, telephone solicitation and mailings. At times, Chain Free Beaufort rescues chained animals. The majority of these rescued chained animals need profound veterinary care and rehabilitation before they are suitable for adoption. Chain Free Beaufort provides foster care, when possible. Chain Free Beaufort also provides all items to care for the dog during its foster care period. These items may include: • Food • Crate • Training • Veterinary care and medications • and Grooming Chain Free Beaufort hopes to offer a limited amount of support, if necessary, to new owners who adopt one of our rescued dogs. This support may include medication for an existing problem resulting from chaining or neglect and/or training that will ensure a smooth transition into the new home. In summary, Chain Free Beaufort’s mission and goal is helping chained animals to live better lives. Through various mechanisms of support—donations, grants and generosity of the public at large—we are confident that we can make a difference.

Chain Free Beaufort is a grass roots organization formed in October 2007. We are dedicated to ending the dangerous and cruel practice of chaining and tethering dogs as a means of stationary confinement.

Fighting to change the laws within our own community and state wide. Through education and awareness, we can change the life of these suffering dogs, even if has to be one at time.

Chain Free Beaufort is dedicated to the stopping the inhumane and cruel practice of chaining dogs for their entire life.

Chained Dogs

On May 17th, Chain Free Beaufort joins Dog Day in Beaufort, SC to distribute literature and speak to the public regarding the dangers of chaining a dog.

Kim Bonturi, Founder and President
Paula Loftis, Treasurer
Tracie Korol, Secretary

Convinced the City of Beaufort South Carolina to pass an ordinance prohibiting the chaining and tethering as a mean of stationary confinement ordinance.

Rescued, medically rehabilitated and placed 5 dogs into great deserving permanent homes.

Participated in Kidfest 2008 educating the public on the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence.

Obtained over 4000 signatures on a petition to end chaining and tethering in Beaufort, SC.

Participating in committee meetings with our State Legislators to amend the cruelty laws to include chaining and tethering.

Spearheading our community's first off-leash dog park.
We are designing, fundraising and educating the City of Beaufort on the civic benefits of having a good, safe for dogs to exercise and play.