About Us

ChainFree Knoxville Beginnings

ChainFree Knoxville was founded in the summer of 2021 by several like-minded folks who were seeking a solution to the problem of continuously chained/tethering dogs in our community.  There are currently three Board Members and dozens of committed and hard-working volunteers.

Why it Matters

Dogs are social beings who thrive on interaction with people and animals.  Intensive confinement or long-term restraint can severely damage their physical and psychological well-being.  An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained or intensively confined in any way, becomes neurotic, unhappy anxious and often aggressive.

There are other reasons not to chain dogs!

Public Safety – Dogs feel protective of their territory and when confronted with a perceived threat, their fight-or-flight instinct kicks in.  A chained dog, unable to flee, often feels forced to fight.  Tragically, the victims of chained dog attacks are usually children.

Burden on Public Resources- Our local Animal Control Staff deserves to have time to provide public education instead of responding to welfare checks of chained dogs.

Public Nuisance – Tethered dogs are more likely to bark due to boredom, distress and/or fear, causing a public nuisance to neighbors.  Tethered dogs who get loose from their chains may act aggressively and are likely to chase and attack unsuspecting passersby and pets because they have developed severe behavior problems from long-term, intensive confinement.

Safety of the Dog:  Chained dogs are unable to adequately defend itself, run or hide are susceptible to attacks from other dogs and wild animals.

Board of Directors