Pet Abuse
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Join Date: Sep 2014
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Pet Abuse
I don't know how to handle this situation, so please help me. The other day, my neighbor (fellow alkie), asked me to watch his dog over the weekend. Well, actually, I was supposed to be the "back-up" for the other neighbor whose main responsibility was to watch the dog. But this neighbor is an old guy who doesn't get around very well, so truthfully I think it was really my responsibility (which is why the neighbor with the dog asked me in the first place).
Anyhow, the neighbor was to be gone for three days and asked me to just come over and feed and water the dog who he wanted left outside all day and night because he claimed the dog had diarrhea and didn't want him in the house. If I DID let him in the house, he is quarantined to the kitchen (very small kitchen, I might add and this dog is a big lab who is six months old).
I did try to come over and take care of the dog. I bought him a dog bone, treats and a toy because my neighbor never buys him anything either other than dog food. My little dog (miniature poodle), doesn't like this big dog jumping all over her, but I had no choice but to take her along because she goes with me everywhere. Come to find out, the neighbor's lab had broken his collar so he was running around loose all over the neighborhood. So I took him home because I didn't know what to do and I didn't feel like it was nice to just stick him in the tiny kitchen.
The dog poops in my house, gave my dog fleas, has a ton of energy (because he never gets played with) until finally I did what I didn't want to do, and took him back to the neighbor's house and stuck him in the tiny kitchen. Meanwhile, I called the neighbor guy, told him I "couldn't do this" and I think he found someone else to get him a new collar and once again stick him outside by himself (chained up, of course).
Here is my problem (and I am sorry this is so long): The dog in my opinion is being neglected. He is a six month old black lab who is AKC registered and microchipped (but the owner has failed to register the microchip too). Is chained out all day (the owner takes him in only at night and then keeps him quarantined in the kitchen then too). When on vacation (like mentioned above), he wanted him left out all day AND all night. The dog was supposed to sleep in a plastic wood tub with NO blankets, no pillows, nothing and it gets down to 40 degrees here at night. He is/was chained out in the dark all by himself, three days and nights on end (except when I came over and tried to make it better and couldn't handle it).
The dog is not house trained. He has not had any of his shots. Is left on the chain all day long by the owner. Has no real dog house. Has fleas. Does not get taken on walks, doesn't even get taken to the river (the neighbor likes to fish), because he is too much of a "hassle." Rarely gets attention because the neighbor is always busy when he IS home running around on dates, drinking, you name it. Hits the dog to get him to "behave."
I told him on the phone the other night he should get rid of the dog and of course people don't want you to tell them what to do, so shrug, what more could I say? The neighbor thinks his treatment of the dog is fine.
I am well aware I cannot control people, but I feel angry that it is the dog who suffers. (You read about this stuff on the Humane Society Web site, that if you don't speak up, who will). I don't know how to handle the situation except just ignore it (like I did when he went on vacation and couldn't handle it anymore), yet that makes me feel bad.
There is no one here to call because I live in "Hicksville," a very small town and there is no Humane Society here. This neighbor is supposedly a "friend" (drinking buddy is more like it), but I know he will get mad if I say something because he doesn't like to get bossed around. (Also, I share garbage services with him and then I probably won't be allowed to do that anymore if I really **** him off and this service is free to me and I don't have a lot of money. And besides that, this town being only 128 people, he does run me to the car repair place once in a while when I ask and I do need his help for things here because this town is so small there is barely anyone to ask).
I feel like drinking over it, getting angry and calling him, but that won't help. I do not feel brave enough to approach this situation sober and really don't know if there is a nice way to tell someone they are abusing their pet. Especially if this person is a friend. Please advise.
Anyhow, the neighbor was to be gone for three days and asked me to just come over and feed and water the dog who he wanted left outside all day and night because he claimed the dog had diarrhea and didn't want him in the house. If I DID let him in the house, he is quarantined to the kitchen (very small kitchen, I might add and this dog is a big lab who is six months old).
I did try to come over and take care of the dog. I bought him a dog bone, treats and a toy because my neighbor never buys him anything either other than dog food. My little dog (miniature poodle), doesn't like this big dog jumping all over her, but I had no choice but to take her along because she goes with me everywhere. Come to find out, the neighbor's lab had broken his collar so he was running around loose all over the neighborhood. So I took him home because I didn't know what to do and I didn't feel like it was nice to just stick him in the tiny kitchen.
The dog poops in my house, gave my dog fleas, has a ton of energy (because he never gets played with) until finally I did what I didn't want to do, and took him back to the neighbor's house and stuck him in the tiny kitchen. Meanwhile, I called the neighbor guy, told him I "couldn't do this" and I think he found someone else to get him a new collar and once again stick him outside by himself (chained up, of course).
Here is my problem (and I am sorry this is so long): The dog in my opinion is being neglected. He is a six month old black lab who is AKC registered and microchipped (but the owner has failed to register the microchip too). Is chained out all day (the owner takes him in only at night and then keeps him quarantined in the kitchen then too). When on vacation (like mentioned above), he wanted him left out all day AND all night. The dog was supposed to sleep in a plastic wood tub with NO blankets, no pillows, nothing and it gets down to 40 degrees here at night. He is/was chained out in the dark all by himself, three days and nights on end (except when I came over and tried to make it better and couldn't handle it).
The dog is not house trained. He has not had any of his shots. Is left on the chain all day long by the owner. Has no real dog house. Has fleas. Does not get taken on walks, doesn't even get taken to the river (the neighbor likes to fish), because he is too much of a "hassle." Rarely gets attention because the neighbor is always busy when he IS home running around on dates, drinking, you name it. Hits the dog to get him to "behave."
I told him on the phone the other night he should get rid of the dog and of course people don't want you to tell them what to do, so shrug, what more could I say? The neighbor thinks his treatment of the dog is fine.
I am well aware I cannot control people, but I feel angry that it is the dog who suffers. (You read about this stuff on the Humane Society Web site, that if you don't speak up, who will). I don't know how to handle the situation except just ignore it (like I did when he went on vacation and couldn't handle it anymore), yet that makes me feel bad.
There is no one here to call because I live in "Hicksville," a very small town and there is no Humane Society here. This neighbor is supposedly a "friend" (drinking buddy is more like it), but I know he will get mad if I say something because he doesn't like to get bossed around. (Also, I share garbage services with him and then I probably won't be allowed to do that anymore if I really **** him off and this service is free to me and I don't have a lot of money. And besides that, this town being only 128 people, he does run me to the car repair place once in a while when I ask and I do need his help for things here because this town is so small there is barely anyone to ask).
I feel like drinking over it, getting angry and calling him, but that won't help. I do not feel brave enough to approach this situation sober and really don't know if there is a nice way to tell someone they are abusing their pet. Especially if this person is a friend. Please advise.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Scotland
Posts: 379
This is a tricky situation, because anything you do for this poor dog will likely cause trouble between you and your neighbour (who by the way, sounds like a really great guy *cough-sarcasm-cough*). I've been in this situation before but only with cats - I've either taken them to a no-kill shelter or taken them into my home to live, and have tended not to care what the neglectful neighbour thought of this. Cats are less work than young labradors though, and I completely understand your concerns about not feeling brave enough to confront your neighbour - I hate conflict too. I wouldn't be able to just ignore the problem though, and from what you've said, I don't think you could either. This innocent animal is suffering, and you have the power to stop it. Given that the dog is left alone outside so much when the neighbour goes out, and has been known to get loose, I think I would attempt to arrest control of the situation by taking the dog to a (no-kill) shelter, or finding a friend who would take him in. The current owner would assume he's got lost or been dognapped, and I doubt would make much effort to find him.
If that's too underhand or risky for your taste - is there really no animal shelter where you live? Most areas have at least a few kind souls who run informal sanctuaries and look to help any animal that needs it. Try google or facebook? If anyone I know lived near you, they would want to help in a heartbeat. I really sympathise with your situation; and I really hope you can help this dog.
If that's too underhand or risky for your taste - is there really no animal shelter where you live? Most areas have at least a few kind souls who run informal sanctuaries and look to help any animal that needs it. Try google or facebook? If anyone I know lived near you, they would want to help in a heartbeat. I really sympathise with your situation; and I really hope you can help this dog.
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Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 555
Hey Cecilia44,
Most of the local police departments also have some form of an animal control division (or perhaps just one person). If so, I'm pretty sure you can have their animal control do a 'animal welfare check.' I would guess you can also have this done anonymously, or at least have your name withheld from him.
You mention that you live in a small town, so I don't know if that's a viable option or not, but I'm be surprised if there's no such resource of any kind.
From what I read, it appear that you've done more then most would have done, which is a great thing to do. However, I would not jeopardize your own goals as a result of this person's actions. IE: Drinking.
You mentioned that this person is sort of a friend, so perhaps open up more of a dialog about the problem. And as you mentioned, "people don't want you to tell them what to do.." , which is true, however if he feels that you are truly concerned about the dog, perhaps he's be more open.
I'm a dog lover, so I can feel your frustration.
Most of the local police departments also have some form of an animal control division (or perhaps just one person). If so, I'm pretty sure you can have their animal control do a 'animal welfare check.' I would guess you can also have this done anonymously, or at least have your name withheld from him.
You mention that you live in a small town, so I don't know if that's a viable option or not, but I'm be surprised if there's no such resource of any kind.
From what I read, it appear that you've done more then most would have done, which is a great thing to do. However, I would not jeopardize your own goals as a result of this person's actions. IE: Drinking.
You mentioned that this person is sort of a friend, so perhaps open up more of a dialog about the problem. And as you mentioned, "people don't want you to tell them what to do.." , which is true, however if he feels that you are truly concerned about the dog, perhaps he's be more open.
I'm a dog lover, so I can feel your frustration.
waking down
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,641
This is tricky. I once filmed a 20 minute video tape of our neighbor's abused dog going insane for no reason but for being chained and neglected. This blew up in my face and I ended up subpoened because I made the video. However, in the end the guy was fined, gave the dog away and then moved. However, I had no relationship with him. I guess it comes down to how much you're willing to risk to help the dog, and I suppose, whether or not you believe the authorities would consider it abuse. Stealing the dog could have huge consequences, but it if gets loose I like the idea of delivering it to a shelter.
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
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This is such a touchy issue with me.
I strongly believe you have no choice but to speak up for the animal. The poor dog cannot do anything to protect itself, please speak up for him. Please don't put your 'friendship' with this neighbor over the poor animal's welfare.
I strongly believe you have no choice but to speak up for the animal. The poor dog cannot do anything to protect itself, please speak up for him. Please don't put your 'friendship' with this neighbor over the poor animal's welfare.
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Join Date: Sep 2014
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I agree, when the dog was loose (he's actually been loose twice and has broken two collars in order to do it), I should have just "anonymously" taken him in and taken him to a shelter. No, there is no shelter here or in this county, but there is one in another county that I used to live in and I could always lie and say I found the dog in that county. How would they know?
To be honest, I doubt this "friend" would be a friend if I hadn't met him at the bar. The more and more I get sober, the less I talk to him and see what type of person he is. However, I have hung onto the friendship because this town IS so small (128 people mind you), that making enemies is not a wise idea. There are no police here to call either, no cops in town, etc., sometimes the sheriff might drive through town about once a month.
I HAVE tried once, several months ago, when the neighbor was abusing his dog (holding him down on the floor and not letting him up to make him "behave" because the dog was running all over the house since he has so much energy and no one plays with him - the dog peed himself, he was so terrified), to tell the neighbor, "Cut that out. That is abuse. You are being mean to your dog." His response? "Don't tell me how to run my dog."
So you see, I am afraid to bring it up again, because I do not know if it would be met with a great response. Wasn't last time.
On a side note: I have known the neighbor for a few years and his first lab ran away (I had that dog in my house too, it was -20 degrees outside and this was before I knew the neighbor and wondered who would let their dog run around in such cold weather) and the other got hit by a car and didn't even make it to six months old I think.
I really, really, really, hate people who abuse their pets. It makes me so angry.
To be honest, I doubt this "friend" would be a friend if I hadn't met him at the bar. The more and more I get sober, the less I talk to him and see what type of person he is. However, I have hung onto the friendship because this town IS so small (128 people mind you), that making enemies is not a wise idea. There are no police here to call either, no cops in town, etc., sometimes the sheriff might drive through town about once a month.
I HAVE tried once, several months ago, when the neighbor was abusing his dog (holding him down on the floor and not letting him up to make him "behave" because the dog was running all over the house since he has so much energy and no one plays with him - the dog peed himself, he was so terrified), to tell the neighbor, "Cut that out. That is abuse. You are being mean to your dog." His response? "Don't tell me how to run my dog."
So you see, I am afraid to bring it up again, because I do not know if it would be met with a great response. Wasn't last time.
On a side note: I have known the neighbor for a few years and his first lab ran away (I had that dog in my house too, it was -20 degrees outside and this was before I knew the neighbor and wondered who would let their dog run around in such cold weather) and the other got hit by a car and didn't even make it to six months old I think.
I really, really, really, hate people who abuse their pets. It makes me so angry.
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Originally Posted by Anna 
This is such a touchy issue with me. I strongly believe you have no choice but to speak up for the animal. The poor dog cannot do anything to protect itself, please speak up for him. Please don't put your 'friendship' with this neighbor over the poor animal's welfare.
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Young dogs roll over and pee to show subservience, it's an instinct, but at the same time, they do that so that the dominant dog will leave them alone. Or in this case, they hope the dominant human will stop behaving aggressively. But if you watch after, they normally pop back up and wag their tales... If the dog doesn't then it was genuinely terrified.
Unfortunately it normally goes that if the dog is being fed and watered, the authorities normally won't do much, although that doesn't mean that they aren't concerned, just that the laws are a bit useless in cases like this.
It's a hard thing to watch..... Maybe you could walk it with your dog? Encourage socialisation... If they spend enough time together dogs normally work it out between themselves.
They have an amazing capacity for unconditional love do dogs..... For their own kind and for humans.
Unfortunately it normally goes that if the dog is being fed and watered, the authorities normally won't do much, although that doesn't mean that they aren't concerned, just that the laws are a bit useless in cases like this.
It's a hard thing to watch..... Maybe you could walk it with your dog? Encourage socialisation... If they spend enough time together dogs normally work it out between themselves.
They have an amazing capacity for unconditional love do dogs..... For their own kind and for humans.
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Join Date: Mar 2014
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Unfortunately, if the dog is being fed and watered, there is not much anyone can do. This happened at my mothers neighbors about a month ago. Neglect in the eyes of shelters and police authorities is no food or water. Some municipalities will count lack of veterinary care. No rabies shots is a public safety issue. Maybe you can play that card.
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No, I think the dog was scared Hawks, because he didn't jump up and wag his tail after being held down on the floor, he scurried behind the couch and hid from his owner. I call that a scared dog.
My dog doesn't like this dog because he is so overly energetic for his lack of physical activity that he jumps all over her until she snaps and bears her teeth.
I feel like taking this dog "in" and walking him with my dog is more responsibility than I want and it doesn't seem right that I should have to make up for the owner's lack of responsibility. I never wanted a dog that big otherwise I would have gotten one. I know that may seem insensitive, but I have a small dog because that is what I personally can handle.
I will try the "talking to the neighbor" option first and if that doesn't work, next time he breaks his collar and is running loose, I'll take him to the Humane Society in the other county. I am sure this would be a GREAT hunting dog for someone if they would just spend some time with him and love him properly.
Thanks everyone. This is why I love this site because when I don't know what to do, it is a great resource for others' opinions.
My dog doesn't like this dog because he is so overly energetic for his lack of physical activity that he jumps all over her until she snaps and bears her teeth.
I feel like taking this dog "in" and walking him with my dog is more responsibility than I want and it doesn't seem right that I should have to make up for the owner's lack of responsibility. I never wanted a dog that big otherwise I would have gotten one. I know that may seem insensitive, but I have a small dog because that is what I personally can handle.
I will try the "talking to the neighbor" option first and if that doesn't work, next time he breaks his collar and is running loose, I'll take him to the Humane Society in the other county. I am sure this would be a GREAT hunting dog for someone if they would just spend some time with him and love him properly.
Thanks everyone. This is why I love this site because when I don't know what to do, it is a great resource for others' opinions.
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I know countrygirl, that is why like calling the sheriff won't help, because feeding and watering a dog is what people think is "taking care of" a dog. Isn't that what people do with a houseplant? Feed and water it? The dog is NOT a houseplant. Grrrrrrrrrr!
But I think, and correct me if I am wrong here, that a dog "running at large" can be turned in to a Humane Society, can't they?
But I think, and correct me if I am wrong here, that a dog "running at large" can be turned in to a Humane Society, can't they?
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That's a good point. Plus, he could actually register the dog's microchip and then would be able to track him down if I did take him to the Humane Society in the other county.
I CAN turn in a "dog at large" to a Humane Society, can't I? I mean, they would keep the dog and try to find it a new home, right?
O.k., just got your response. Thanks CountryGirl.
I CAN turn in a "dog at large" to a Humane Society, can't I? I mean, they would keep the dog and try to find it a new home, right?
O.k., just got your response. Thanks CountryGirl.
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Join Date: Sep 2014
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Yep, that is a scared dog and I misread your post and the situation.
I think the only thing you can do really is show this dog some love... Obviously it's not going to get much at home.
At least then it will know not all humans are crappy towards him.
Labs are very easily trained, they are used as guide dogs for a reason.
Although they are energetic when young.
I have an 8 year old lab, he still has nearly as much energy now. They are perpetual teenagers in the dog world.
I think the only thing you can do really is show this dog some love... Obviously it's not going to get much at home.
At least then it will know not all humans are crappy towards him.
Labs are very easily trained, they are used as guide dogs for a reason.
Although they are energetic when young.
I have an 8 year old lab, he still has nearly as much energy now. They are perpetual teenagers in the dog world.
Do your best
Join Date: Aug 2014
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I would speak up anonymously or i would speak with owner and ask why he has a dog that is chained up a lot and flea ridden not to mention putting the dog at risk without having its dog jabs
i have been around animals pets my whole life and i am a dog owner this is wrong
i have been around animals pets my whole life and i am a dog owner this is wrong
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Join Date: Mar 2014
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I wonder if the original breeder microchipped him. It will go back to the breeder then. They usually like to see their pups go to reputable homes. They don't stand for that crap, most of them anyway. Tell him your interested in a lab and find out who and where the breeder is.
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Yes, the original breeder is the one who microchipped him, however, it was the neighbor's responsibility to go to some Web site and put in the new owner's name, name of the dog, etc., so I don't know if the original breeder would be able to do anything? I don't remember who the breeder was. Some small town around here.
Soberwolf, what does this mean? putting the dog at risk without having its dog jabs Are you talking about him not having his shots?
Soberwolf, what does this mean? putting the dog at risk without having its dog jabs Are you talking about him not having his shots?
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