I feel bad for the dog....

1. 73

   ChristinaScibonaposted 14 years ago

   Across the street from where I live, the couple has a dog.  They are barely ever home and the dog is tied to the pourch all day long.  It doesn't matter if it is raining or cold..he is still there.  Sometimes he will cry and howl for hours and hours.  He has gotten off his chain a couple of times and come over to our yard and I have noticed that he is really skinny.  I know that the people feed him because I have seen them put food and water in his dishes outside.  I just don't know how much food or how often he is getting fed.  They do bring him inside when they get home at about ten o'clock.  I do not think that he is  being abused but maybe neglected...what should I do?  Call someone to have them look into it or just mind my own business?

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   1. 53

      fayehelenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Call somebody. If you were worried about them knowing you 'told on them' just do it anonymously.
      Better safe than sorry.

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   2. 60

      Druid Dudeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Animal control, Local animal shelter, ASPCA. The Sheriff's department. Any complaints made are usually anonymous through internal policy of the orgs involved. Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't like it happening to you, it is cruel to the animal.

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2. 0

   DoorMattnomoreposted 14 years ago

   Could you try talking to the neighbours first? It's a tough situation...I don't know what I would do for sure, but if I was the dog's owner, I would appreciate being asked the details of my situation before having authorities show up at my door.
   
   If thats even a realistic possiblity..I dont know?

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3. 73

   ChristinaScibonaposted 14 years ago

   The problem is that there is only us, them and an older couple a ways down the road...I think that they would know it was us.  I could talk to them first but they are never home...maybe I could leave a note?

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      Karandaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Start with a note, you know it is possible these people are completely unaware of their dog's distress while they are not around. But if it is skinny then sounds like there are other problems. Try and communicate your concerns first but if you feel you are getting nowhere the only recourse is to call in the professionals.

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      Gypsysilkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I would leave them a note ,even suggest looking after the dog during the day for them if they are willing ,if this is to no avail then i would call in the RSPCA ,poor thing i would not be able to allow this to carry on ,i would of took their dog in by now but thats just me

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4. 83

   habeeposted 14 years ago

   I'd report it. Sounds like neglect to me. Maybe you could tackle it by being helpful - tell them you have an old blanket you'd like to give the pooch. You could also go over and give it some attention while they're not home, maybe along with some food and a chew toy. Maybe they'll get the hint that others have noticed their neglect.

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5. 72

   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   That is up to you. Do you feel up to what may become a confrontation? Are you ready for the fact that they may feel they have a legitimate reason. Perhaps it's ignorance on their part?
   
   If he's skinny, despite being fed the likely answer is he's not being fed enough. That or tha act of trying to stay warm (yes - dogs do feel the cold) will be affecting his physical appearance. Or he's being fed enough and he's so stressed he can't maintain a healthy weight.
   
   What do you think you should do? The dog's plight appears to weigh on your conscience. How long can you continue to watch, concerned, but feeling helpless?
   
   Not helpful I know, just pointing out the realities.

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      Aiden Robertsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely tell someone, you can do it annonomously.

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6. 89

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   sounds like neglect to me. that's sad. not only is it not getting enough food, but no exercise or attention. they shouldn't have a pet if they're not going to give it a proper home. it may be skinny from a disease also.
   do what you feel you need to do. someone may be able to give the dog a caring home if they can't.

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7. 73

   ChristinaScibonaposted 14 years ago

   Thanks for all of the advice...I have to do something because I will feel awful is something happens to him and I didn't say anything.  They seem to be a young couple so hopefully I don't bring hell down upon us....even if I do at least I did something I guess...thanks again.

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      fayehelenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good luck

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      mythbusterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Do you have time or space to help your neighbor with the dog? Perhaps you could make a deal with them to offer dog-walking a couple of times per day when the neighbors are away at work.
      
      Sometimes people really do just need a hand with their pets but are afraid to ask - thinking people will report them for neglect, etc., if they are honest about knowing they lack the time for the pet... They usually aren't intentionally bad owners but are often "intending" to get a handle on the situation - after being tired from work, etc., and intentions never turn out right. It might be helpful and ease tension if you're able to approach the neighbors in a way that says, "I'm here to help, not judge."
      
      I know this sort of suggestion has worked before and both parties have been relieved to know the dog was getting more attention... if the dog ever got loose from the owner's yard, in the situation I know about, it could always be quickly found at the "adoption" home... that's how the two parties viewed the compromised situation... "owner home" and "adoption" home. One of the neighbors acted like they "adopted" the dog several days per week...and the dog got to know 2 homes - the owners paid for food and a little money over the amount of food for "pet sitting service" but since the "adopting" party had fun with the dog during the day, the pet sitting fee was extremely minimal...

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   psycheskinnerposted 14 years ago

   Honestly I would say just report it.  Animal control people look into these things all the time and it keeps the issue from being some kind of personal dispute.

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9. 75

   Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

   It's clear they don't have time to properly care for any animal. Tying a dog up for most of the day is abuse, I don't care what anyone says.
   
   Contact animal control, give them the address and say you think a dog is being neglected there. If that solves the problem, fine.
   
   If nothing has changed in two weeks, have a talk with them. BUT, be aware if they get any trouble with animal control or anything, they will blame you.

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