Animal abuse? Not sure what to do...

[beck0321]

I KNOW what I should do in this situation, and I'm most likely going to, but I just wanted some words of advice or maybe info from someone who has gone through something similar.

My neighbors got a dog about 3 months ago. She's a pitbull mix and she's the sweetest thing (I pet her through the chain-link fence everyday). The problem is, they leave her outside. It breaks my heart because she cries from time to time...it's the saddest thing I've ever heard. The only shelter she has is this carrier cage that's just big enough for her to fit in. They never play with her or pay her any attention that I've seen. I don't see where her food and water are either; it may be there just hidden somewhere?

The thing that has got me upset is that she doesn't have a proper place to rest or sleep. It has rained for the past two days here and when I went to pet her on my lunch, I noticed her cage has like two inches of standing water at the bottom with a soaked towel in it. It's about to get cold in a day or so here and they do not put out blankets for her; and if her stuff is all wet, how will she stay warm? She's skin and bones as it is!

The neighbors are on a corner lot, so we're the only ones butting up against their yard (it's a "side" yard since their house is the corner). They have a chain link fence, so I can see over to their house. If I call animal control, they will know that it's most likely us that did it since we're the only ones that can see all this going on.

I haven't really had problems with these neighbors in the past. It's a rent house and a bunch of college-age to mid-20s people live there or are over there constantly. I never know their day to day living situation. They have a band and play music late into the night some nights and often toke it up. None of that honestly bothers me since they keep to themselves (I actually like hearing the music). This dog situation would be the only issue I have with them.

I never talk to them though so I don't see myself going over there and talking to one of the several people that live there. I doubt they would listen to me anyway and would just probably harass me from now on. But I'm worried if they get told something by animal control that they'll do that anyway.

What will animal control do if I call them? Does anyone know? Will they take the dog; put it to sleep; just give them a warning??? Is this the way to go? I need to do SOMETHING, but what?!

Thanks for any advice in advance!

Wanted to add too that I read the yard size limit for yard dogs for our city and their yard is probably NOT the size it needs to be. It only might be because half of it is covered by trees and brush (which I like having there and wouldn't want them to cut down). I think I am going to sneakily measure it tonight when I get home

 

[Jennasis]

Two thoughts...

1. Go out and buy/find a dog house or dogloo (check craigslist) then "gift" it to them with some old blankets for the floor of it and tell them you had a friend with a spare or whose dog passed and you thought they might be able to use it.

2. Call animal control. Even if they take her (unlikely) and put her to sleep, it's better than a slow painful death freezing to death. Maybe they'll put a little fear into the owners. If the owners say anything to you, tell them you saw some kid/adult etc snooping around their fence a bunch lately and it was probably them.

PS...i see you are in Baton Rouge? Freezing to death now highly unlikely, BUT I still get what you're saying.

 

[beck0321]

Two thoughts...

1. Go out and buy/find a dog house or dogloo (check craigslist) then "gift" it to them with some old blankets for the floor of it and tell them you had a friend with a spare or whose dog passed and you thought they might be able to use it.

2. Call animal control. Even if they take her (unlikely) and put her to sleep, it's better than a slow painful death freezing to death. Maybe they'll put a little fear into the owners. If the owners say anything to you, tell them you saw some kid/adult etc snooping around their fence a bunch lately and it was probably them.

PS...i see you are in Baton Rouge? Freezing to death now highly unlikely, BUT I still get what you're saying.

I actually like both those ideas/suggestions. I really wish I could just take her. DH doesn't want a dog with the three cats, but she is really the sweetest and I feel so bad for her

 

[Shyvioletisme]

I KNOW what I should do in this situation, and I'm most likely going to, but I just wanted some words of advice or maybe info from someone who has gone through something similar.

My neighbors got a dog about 3 months ago. She's a pitbull mix and she's the sweetest thing (I pet her through the chain-link fence everyday). The problem is, they leave her outside. It breaks my heart because she cries from time to time...it's the saddest thing I've ever heard. The only shelter she has is this carrier cage that's just big enough for her to fit in. They never play with her or pay her any attention that I've seen. I don't see where her food and water are either; it may be there just hidden somewhere?

The thing that has got me upset is that she doesn't have a proper place to rest or sleep. It has rained for the past two days here and when I went to pet her on my lunch, I noticed her cage has like two inches of standing water at the bottom with a soaked towel in it. It's about to get cold in a day or so here and they do not put out blankets for her; and if her stuff is all wet, how will she stay warm? She's skin and bones as it is!

The neighbors are on a corner lot, so we're the only ones butting up against their yard (it's a "side" yard since their house is the corner). They have a chain link fence, so I can see over to their house. If I call animal control, they will know that it's most likely us that did it since we're the only ones that can see all this going on.

I haven't really had problems with these neighbors in the past. It's a rent house and a bunch of college-age to mid-20s people live there or are over there constantly. I never know their day to day living situation. They have a band and play music late into the night some nights and often toke it up. None of that honestly bothers me since they keep to themselves (I actually like hearing the music). This dog situation would be the only issue I have with them.

I never talk to them though so I don't see myself going over there and talking to one of the several people that live there. I doubt they would listen to me anyway and would just probably harass me from now on. But I'm worried if they get told something by animal control that they'll do that anyway.

What will animal control do if I call them? Does anyone know? Will they take the dog; put it to sleep; just give them a warning??? Is this the way to go? I need to do SOMETHING, but what?!

Thanks for any advice in advance!

Wanted to add too that I read the yard size limit for yard dogs for our city and their yard is probably NOT the size it needs to be. It only might be because half of it is covered by trees and brush (which I like having there and wouldn't want them to cut down). I think I am going to sneakily measure it tonight when I get home

most likely what will happen is that animal control will come out and assess the situation. They want to make sure the call they got is legit and the dog really is in the condition you state. As long as the dog does not appear to be in an immediate danger of death, they will most likely just give them a warning, tell them what they need to fix and be on their way. However, if they continue to get complaints and nothing gets fixed/gets worse they will come take the dog at some point. With animal control, if the dog is owned by someone and does not appear to be on the edge of death, it usually takes a lot to get the animal taken away.

 

[castmemberb4]

These people obviously don't have time for this dog now that the novelty has worn off. Poor baby I feel so bad for her.

I know that you don't know these people but maybe if you went over and talked to them they would let you have her, then if your DH dosen't fall in love with her you could find her a home. Be sure to tell them you like their music

An alternative might be a pitbull rescue, I know she's a mix but I've seen mixed dogs listed with some breed rescues.

If you end up with her and can't keep her a pet rescue or no kill shelter would probably take her and find her a new home, we have several in our area one of which I volunteer with, check around before you call animal control.

 

[louey]

I would call, she should have proper shelter and with 2" of water inside of her crate to me that is not proper protection. She should have water and in the Winter it shouldn't be frozen. Its so sad and makes me so mad ugh people can be so uncaring

 

[ilovejack02]

There is a group in B.R. American Pitt Bull rescue I think. If she does get taken by A.C. Try calling them to see if they will get her out of Animal Control. Most likely she will be put down there . : ( Poor baby, sounds like she needs some help.

homes4pits@yahoo.com

 

[Desiree]

Tell your hubby I have 3 cats and a dog and we all get along just fine.

You might want to also call APAWS if you don't want to actually call animal control. They might have some suggestions for you. I had volunteered with them a while back and I trust these guys to give you some good advice too. http://www.apawspets.org/

 

[tink1969]

Take pictures of crate with the water and wet towel in it. Document your findings and notify animal control.
Seeing an animal that is not getting the proper care and attention would break my heart as well.

Give you hubby lots of and maybe he will give in!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

By law animals must be given proper food, shelter and medical care. If you think the dog is not getting these, you can call the animal officer/animal control dept in your town and leave a complaint, anonymously if you want, and let them investigate. As you've described, the dog is being neglected on at least one count, possibly more.

Thank you for helping those who can't speak for themselves.

 

[louey]

If she is a sweet girl like you say then she should be adoptable. How does she look physically? Is she skinny? hopefully they are feeding her?

 

[Jennasis]

I would call, she should have proper shelter and with 2" of water inside of her crate to me that is not proper protection. She should have water and in the Winter it shouldn't be frozen. Its so sad and makes me so mad ugh people can be so uncaring

It is very unlikely to freeze in Baton Rouge, LA.

BUT, this dog needs some serious help and TLC!

 

[madcam]

Maybe you could ask them if they would be willing to give her to you. If they are young college age kids then NOT having to take care of a dog they got on a whim might be something they would take you up on. You could strike up a conversation with one of the tenents the next time you see them and say something along the lines that you have just "fallen in love" with their dog and were wondering, since they seem pretty busy if they would be willing let her move in with you. If they won't go for that, maybe they would be willing to sell her for a small fee. Then if your DH won't get on board, you can be the one to find her a good home.

Not only can it freeze in Baton Rouge, it has been known to snow on occasion. It doesn't stay freezing but it is definately dangerous for a dog to be left out.

 

[louey]

It is very unlikely to freeze in Baton Rouge, LA.

BUT, this dog needs some serious help and TLC!

Oooops I am where it gets cold forgot to see where she lived

 

[Desiree]

It can freeze and the temps are supposed to be in the upper 30s this coming weekend.

 

[castmemberb4]

Please let us know what happens.
I'm praying she comes to live with you.

 

[ENSOCK]

It will be in the upper 30's this weekend in Baton Rouge. So if her bed is wet (it has been raining for 3 days here) then she can get sick.

You can call animal control but with all of the problems with the pit bull attacks in and around the Baton Rouge area, I would be afraid of her going to the shelter. Good luck!

 

[beck0321]

Hey! Thanks for all the advice/suggestions!

I talked to a co-worker and, like a lot of you have, he also suggested just going to talk to them to at least let them know there is water in her cage (the opening of it is facing my yard). He thinks asking them to let me take her in, at least for the cold nights that are coming, is a good idea as well. Don't know if they'll go for that, or if that would even come up in conversation, but I guess we'll see. I do have an old king size comforter that I was going to throw out that I might offer for them to use (even though I'm sure she'll tear it up).

Anyway, I think maybe talking to them first IS the best idea. I am just very shy and never have had a conversation with anyone who lives there before, so I am nervous to go over there.

 

[NikiM20]

Do not call animal control in BR. She would be put down if they take her. Do you think she could " accidentally" get out of the yard and run off? I have 7 dogs and know plenty of rescues in our area.

Niki

 

[castmemberb4]

Hey! Thanks for all the advice/suggestions!

I talked to a co-worker and, like a lot of you have, he also suggested just going to talk to them to at least let them know there is water in her cage (the opening of it is facing my yard). He thinks asking them to let me take her in, at least for the cold nights that are coming, is a good idea as well. Don't know if they'll go for that, or if that would even come up in conversation, but I guess we'll see. I do have an old king size comforter that I was going to throw out that I might offer for them to use (even though I'm sure she'll tear it up).

Anyway, I think maybe talking to them first IS the best idea. I am just very shy and never have had a conversation with anyone who lives there before, so I am nervous to go over there.

Wish I lived near you I'd go with you. Do you have a friend who is not shy?
I've gotten better at not being shy and found that I was bolder when with my friend who never meets a stranger.