I hate every time I see an article on a bust or an abuse case they make such a big deal about the dogs living in plastic barrels. Just because its not shaped like an igloo and cost me $200 does not mean that its not perfectly habitable. I know that some states have tethering laws (which I think are also ridiculous) but do any states have legislation against housing dogs in barrels or do they just role it under the "cruelty" umbrella? We had to keep our dogs with a relative while we were moving and according to her, animal control was called by a neighbor. They told our relative that they would be back in 48 hrs and the dogs needed to have "proper" dog houses not plastic barrels. There were only 4 dogs there, each with their own 10x10 kennel (which also had shade tarps), and our dogs are always in great shape and taken care of. Why even hassle a dog owner that obviously is being responsible just because the DAMN thing isn't shaped like a stupid igloo!