I have lived in Hinesville for 16 years and have worked in Savannah for 11. Over the years it became painfully clear that there are tremendous differences between these 2 cities in regards to animal welfare. Rightfully so, it is outlawed to chain a dog in Chatham County; however, there are hundreds of dogs still chained in Liberty County. This obviously doesnât bother the owners; nor does it seem to bother the people who could make a difference in the laws of our county. Everyone knows the saying âManâs best friend.â Why would anyone chain their best friend Over the years, I have seen countless dogs that have been tied up in their ownersâ yards, fed and given water to when ever it seems convenient to their owner, and attacked by other dogs roaming the neighborhoods. We all know there are breeds out there raised to attack and I know of an instance where 2 male pit bulls raped a female dog while she was chained up in her unfenced yard. The female is small and the pit bulls almost killed her because they were so much bigger. That little dog is still out there on a chain and since their owners refuse to spend the money to spay her she will be in heat again soon and have another litter of unwanted puppies. On another note, I also know of friends who refuse to walk their dogs without a stick in hand because there are pit bulls roaming their neighborhoods and they are afraid of their dogs being attacked. Not only do we have to worry about our pets we also have to worry about our children who are out there playing. This is something that does not only happen in the low income neighborhoods of Hinesville and Liberty County. I live in a nice and safe subdivision and have seen plenty of strays, including a hostile Staffordshire Terrier roaming our neighborhood while the children were waiting on the school bus. Whenever animal control is called it seems nothing is done, at least not the first several times they are called. At one of our neighborhood watch meetings one of the animal control officers present stated they are understaffed and overworked and they canât possibly take care of all the cases out there. Hire more staff! Donât we pay enough taxes to pay for services, including animal control and welfare Something needs to happen and it needs to happen now. Chaining animals should be outlawed in Liberty County! Dogs that stay outside should be required to be kept in a fenced yard or kennel and have shelter. People who own hostile breeds should be required to keep them in an area that would not allow them to escape and roam. Most of all, much stricter laws regarding animal neglect and abuse should be enforced in Liberty County. I know that there are many ignorant people out there who donât view animals, such as dogs and cats as beings who feel pain and sorrow much like humans do but there are just as many people who know better; people who love their pets and treat them as a part of their family. If you agree with my findings and the fact that changes need to occur, please speak up, voice your opinion. It is the only way we might bring change to Liberty County.