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David Lynch has died at 78 years old, leaving behind a legacy of surrealist works that broke the mold in film and television, from Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet to Twin Peaks. But before he became widely known for his films, Lynch captured hearts and inspired empathy with a quirky comic strip: The Angriest Dog in the World.
The Angriest Dog in the World: David Lynch’s Empathetic Take on ‘Outdoor Dogs’
Running from 1983 to 1992, The Angriest Dog in the World drew attention to the loneliness and frustration that dogs feel when they’re kept outside on a chain, with no one to keep them company, no enrichment, and no shelter—a reality that many “outdoor dogs” endure every day.
Each strip was introduced with a bleak observation: “The dog who is so angry he cannot move. He cannot eat. He cannot sleep. He can just barely growl. Bound so tightly with tension and anger, he approaches the state of rigor mortis.” Panel after panel, the same dog, tethered to a post in a yard, is depicted barking and growling on an infinite loop, consumed by exasperation, stress, and depression. While human drama unfolds inside the house, nothing changes for this sensitive—and justifiably angry—animal, trapped in a joyless existence day after day, night after night.
Much like the dog in Lynch’s unsettling comic strip, dogs who are chained outside 24/7 suffer. Kept “out of sight, out of mind,” they ache from loneliness and languish from frustration. The humans who are supposed to love and care for them often deprive them of even the most basic necessities, such as adequate food, water, veterinary care, and shelter.
Many have nothing but an overturned trash bin or a plastic barrel—or nothing at all—to protect them from the bitter cold or sweltering heat. Countless chained dogs have frozen to death during cold snaps or died of heatstroke on sweltering summer days. Even in the mildest climates, life on a chain or tether is torment for dogs, who are social, family-oriented animals.
What You Can Do
Lynch conceived of The Angriest Dog in the World during a period of personal anger—but we should all be angry over the plight of chained, neglected dogs. Companion dogs want—and need—the safety and comfort of living indoors.
YOU can help PETA “break the chain” by speaking up whenever you can. If you know someone who keeps a dog outside, talk to them about it, and if it’s safe, offer to play with the dog and take them for walks. Bring treats and toys, which mean a lot to dogs who have little to do. Make sure they have adequate food, water, and shelter—all of which are required by law—and report any abuse or neglect to authorities.
Check out current legislation on tethering dogs in your area, and find out how you can advocate for these lifesaving laws in your community. Learn about more ways to help chained dogs:
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