I can't count the number of dogs here in my 'hood that are left on their chains, around the clock, 24/7/365. One doesn't need to "camp out" to know that many of these dogs are never, ever taken inside, nor are they taken out for walks. All I have to do is ask the folks next door to the dogs if they've ever witnessed them being treated as pets. I have asked. They're not. Some of us in the area have asked Animal Control to look into some of the really bad cases. AC has looked, but as long as the dog has water, food, and a sad excuse for shelter, it is not considered abuse. Great life for a dog.
Thanks...
I thought it was just a Southern thing, but I see it's where you are too.