People who keep their dogs on a chain - should be illegal in most cases

I live in a little town in Northwest La., and it (like many similar little towns around here) is going downhill.

I see more and more dogs (mostly pit types) who live attached to chains, many without an attached doghouse. One hound mongrel looking dog is chained in a yard next to a sidewalk used by kids walking to school. I'm sure they love walking by the dog as it bangs against the chain to try to get them.

Why the hell do people own a dog if they can't do anything with it other than keep it on a chain?

These aren't people who are out walking the dog all the time either - the dog basically is 24/7 on the chain.

And, yes, I know my town is getting trashy. I'm well aware of it.