A new global campaign to end the cruel chaining of dogs has been launched with a nationwide call to action, urging animal lovers to take part in a symbolic 5km walk to raise funds and awareness.
The Unchained Freedom Walk, taking place on Saturday 4th April, marks the official launch of the Unchained campaign, founded by award-winning animal welfare campaigner Eduardo Goncalves, from Gosport, Hants (pictured above with rescue dog Chuck.)
Supporters across the UK and beyond are being encouraged to step out and stand up against the widespread practice of keeping dogs tethered for life. Participants can walk wherever they live.
The initiative will raise vital funds for three rescue dogs – Sirius, and puppies Vinnie and Chuck – all of whom were saved from lives of extreme neglect and suffering in Portugal during operations involving Goncalves himself.
Sirius (pictured above, stepping on grass for the first time) was found barely alive in northern Portugal, emaciated, shut down and chained to a cold concrete patch, with grass just out of reach. Few believed he would survive. But following a dramatic rescue by the Unchained team in collaboration with local partners, he has begun an extraordinary recovery. Now safe and cared for, Sirius is slowly rediscovering life, with rescuers describing the moment his tail first wagged as “unforgettable”.
Vinnie and Chuck’s early lives were equally bleak. Born to a chained mother in a concrete yard, they spent their first weeks confined to a small wooden box soaked in faeces. Deprived of basic care and comfort, other siblings in the litter died, but their survival is being described as nothing short of remarkable.
Funds raised through the Freedom Walk will go directly towards ongoing medical care for the three dogs.
Eduardo Goncalves said the campaign aims to shine a light on a largely hidden welfare issue.
“Chaining is one of the most overlooked forms of animal cruelty, yet it causes immense suffering. Dogs are left isolated, exposed to the elements and denied everything that makes life worth living. Through the Freedom Walk, we want to raise awareness, change attitudes and help dogs like Sirius, Vinnie and Chuck who have already endured so much.”
The campaign has attracted high-profile patrons: actor and animal welfare advocate Peter Egan, and campaigner and veterinarian Dr Marc Abraham OBE, widely known as Marc the Vet.
Dr Abraham (pictured above)said: “As a vet, I know just how profoundly cruel and damaging the chaining of dogs can be. Dogs are social, sentient beings who need freedom of movement, mental stimulation, and of course companionship to be physically and emotionally healthy. Chaining denies them all of that, and will often cause lasting psychological trauma, as well as serious medical problems.
“Unchained is campaigning for global change to end this outdated and inhumane practice once and for all. But we also need to look closer to home. The UK prides itself on being a nation of animal lovers, and that means we cannot afford grey areas in the law that allow animal cruelty to be excused or exploited. The rules must be strengthened, made crystal clear, and be enforceable, because no dog should ever be left to suffer at the end of a chain.”
To take part in the walk on 4th April, or make a donation, download the action pack here: https://collect.wetransfer.com/board/sof8iytfw7q3x8v2n20260316163053/latest?token=40ac2144-546e-443e-9f01-9a807667f946
Find out more about the Unchained Campaign here: https://unchaineddogs.org