As we celebrate love in February, Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) wants Denver dog owners to “Harness the Love” for their pets and turn in their pinch, choke chain or shock collars in exchange for fear-free harnesses or Martingale collars. DAS is offering the FREE harnesses or collars for anyone who trades in a pinch, choke, or shock dog collar. The shelter team will expertly fit your dog on site with the new harness or collar.
Prong and choke chain collars are designed to continually tighten around a dog’s neck when the owner pulls on the leash or a dog pulls ahead, causing discomfort, pain, possible injury or choking.
Shock collars deliver an electric shock or sometimes a vibration or sound when receiving a signal from a remote transmitter.
Critics say they are inhumane and can cause new, more serious behavior issues such as aggression. Dogs can also become desensitized to them so stronger levels of shock strength are required.
Harnesses and Martingale collars provide more control over an animal without choking them. A harness wraps around a dog’s torso, reducing tension on the neck when a dog pulls on a leash.
A Martingale collar fits loosely on a dog’s neck and tightens only a limited amount when a dog pulls.
Denver residents can trade in their pinch, choke or shock collar any time during the shelter’s operating hours while the harnesses and collars last.
Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please note, if your pup is aggressive, just bring in your dog’s collar and they’ll exchange it.
Denver Animal Shelter, 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver.