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Animal Neglect
updated: Sep 27, 2012, 1:06 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

What do you do, or have done, when you notice a neighbor's dog is totally ignored? Our neighbors have a new puppy that is confined to a small side yard 24 hours a day with very little interaction with anybody. Its enclosure is sandwiched between the side of their house and a block wall fence and chain link fences on each end, about 7 ft by 20 ft.

The area has a tree, a doghouse, a water bowl, and I presume it's fed, because it's still alive, but no one ever takes it out, plays with it, etc. It periodically howls, whines, and barks. It's not the noise that bothers me, but the fact that the poor thing is just forgotten and treated like an object. Why do people get dogs if they don't want them to be a part of their family? I'm sure there are lots of dogs living like this (and worse) all over the world, but this one is within my awareness.

I don't think that talking to the owners will do any good, because on the other side of the house they have another dog in similar quarters, too, that's older. They are actually very nice people, but clearly animals are a low priority. I think if Animal Control came to have a look, they would surmise that the dogs' basic needs are met and there is no sign of abuse, so there's nothing they could do. It's causing me a lot of distress, and I can't come up with a good solution, and I keep trying to let it go, it's none of my business, etc., but having a hard time doing that.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 324854P	2012-09-27 01:08 PM
Offer to take the puppy for walks. Won't solve everything, but at least the little guy will get some love.
COMMENT 324870	2012-09-27 01:32 PM
We had a neighbor like that. Kept their dog on a chain in their front yard all night long and all weekend; took the dog to their shop during the day. The only dog training they believed in was ignoring the creature's plaintive barking all night long. The dog was never walked by any of the 5 children so you know what the front yard looked and smelled like. Enough neighbors complained that the dog was taken and left at the shop all day, all night, and all weekends. It must have finally died there. Some pets can't catch a break.....
COMMENT 324879	2012-09-27 02:00 PM
Yes, tell them you love dogs and would like to be able to spend time with the pup. How sad, I hate seeing dogs neglected this way, they are pack animals and need contact.
COMMENT 324889	2012-09-27 02:21 PM
I like the first recommendation. It is proactive and positive.
AQUAHOLIC	2012-09-27 02:27 PM
I had a similar situation with my next door neighbors. My repeated calls, in-person visits to Animal Control and the Human Society yielded virtually no results. It was frustrating and heartbreaking that nothing could be done by any of the agencies I contacted. An officer did come out to inspect the deplorable conditions the neighbors forced their puppy and eventually grown dog to live under. In this case he was locked up and confined to an out building as a puppy and then transferred to a 12 ft. chain on a stake. Animal control forced them to build an enclosure and cease use of the chain, but the dog NEVER got out of his 'cage' and lived in filthy, cold and boring conditions. Thankfully, they eventually moved away. I learned that what the law considers 'acceptable' living conditions is by no means how it should be...it's really sad IMO. Additionally, others have suggested you go and offer to walk to the dog and if would be a wonderful gesture on your part. In our case, we did not get along with the neighbors and it was not a possibility. I feel your pain and frustration, hope it works out.
COMMENT 324895	2012-09-27 02:34 PM
I also have a neighbor on my street that has two dogs that just sit there all day and do nothing. No interaction, have never been out the junky dirt yard. As puppies they too sat there alone idle with no attention. It broke my heart.I'm sure they have never had flea control or have been to a vet. I called animal control and yes they told me there was no neglect there. I have driven by them everyday for for 12 years. My heart still breaks when I see them now getting older graying muzzles, thinking what they're life might have been like if they had been adopted by decent people.
COMMENT 324901	2012-09-27 02:44 PM
Get animal control involved.There has to be something they can do.
COMMENT 324904	2012-09-27 02:48 PM
Unfortunately, the passion that a puppy up for adoption engenders in some peoples' hearts diminishes greatly as the reality of pet care and responsibility set in. Neighbors offering to walk, bathe, and play with neglected pets can't be too much for a neighbor to accept, can it?
COMMENT 324905	2012-09-27 02:48 PM
I, too, like the first comment; however, there may be liability issues with taking one's dog--permission granted--out for a stroll. "Dog" forbid anything should happen but if something does, there could be a quite costly letigious battle (no good deed goes unpunished). So what to do? I can't say. But I can say "I told you so!" should something go terribly wrong. Too bad pets can't choose their masters...
COMMENT 324909	2012-09-27 02:52 PM
My niece liberated a dog that she found living in that condition- but it was being taught to be aggressive which is what was the last straw for her. To me it is a country mentality of thinking of a dog like a possession that does something useful, like protecting the house. But at least in the Country they are able to run around more than they can in the City. The positive approach is best, but if that doesn't work, If you call animal control make sure you tell them if it isn't licensed, neutered or had it's shots. That will force the owner to spend some money on it and maybe lead to them getting rid of the dog. Some people are thinking of breeding them to get money so that will also prevent that from happening. Tough situation, thanks for bringing it up as a topic.
COMMENT 324916	2012-09-27 02:58 PM
The dog owners lobby has been successful in making sure no laws with teeth in them (ha!) ever get on the books. This is a case of government afraid to make a stand. This problem is so common it's unbelievable. I've said it before, license the owners not the dogs, well, AND the dogs, but the dogs are consistent while the owners are not. A pet is a privilege, not a right. Animals need love too! Meanwhile, that could take forever so I'd take the above suggestions and see if you can take the little guy out for walks. Maybe you'll end up with this dog as yours. Also give them info on dog care and training and so forth, tons of info on the net. Woof!
ROGER DODGER	2012-09-27 03:00 PM
We had neighbors like that also we called Animal control acouple times finally the neighbors fled but left the dog there all 40 or so of them.
COMMENT 324936	2012-09-27 03:17 PM
7ft by 20ft doesn't sound that small... How do you know the owners aren't playing with the dogs in the middle of the night? If the dog isn't bothering you, isn't being abused, then I don't think it's your business.
COMMENT 324945	2012-09-27 03:26 PM
A sad situation for sure. You can look on the bright side though. At least the animal isn't going to be used for labratory experimentation, or slaughtered for food and apparel.
COMMENT 324963	2012-09-27 03:39 PM
Everyone has different interactions with their pets. Unless there is animal abuse/cruelty going on, I don't believe it's your responsibility to get involved. @901 Not playing with your dog is not an excuse to call animal control, I hope that was trolling and not a sincere suggestion.
COMMENT 324965	2012-09-27 03:42 PM
My neighbor was like that and they had a cute puppy that got out one day and came and sat on my lap when I was out on my porch. I told them if it happened again I was keeping him. 8 years later and I still love the little guy
COMMENT 324968	2012-09-27 03:44 PM
That is kind of you. I would toss in a little white lie. Tell them your Dr. said you need to walk 3 -4 times a week or your are trying to loose weight and the dog would encourage you to keep the commitment. Taking the shame of the owner and maybe opening for them so say the dog goes to work at night w/the owner. What is that saying? Saving one dog might not make a big difference in the world but makes a world of difference to one dog.
COMMENT 324972	2012-09-27 03:50 PM
I live on the Mesa. For the past couple of weeks when I take my very early morning walk I could hear a new puppy yelping from within a neighbors garage. Now this surprised me, because I wouldn't have pegged them as the type of family to allow a lonely puppy to cry its heart out like that. Very heartbreaking and puts a blemish on my normally pleasant morning walk.
COMMENT 324985	2012-09-27 04:01 PM
I agree that unless the dog is being abused in some way (and no, ignoring it doesn't count - at least not now), you shouldn't call AC. However, I personally wouldn't think twice about removing the pup from that situation. Course, crappy people like that would probably just get a replacement. Offering to walk the pup sounds like a fantastic idea. Even saying I think your dogs are bored and would like some play time - mind if I take them out (or come in to play) might not only get them some play time, but also would tip them off that others think they could pay a bit more attention to their pets & maybe they'd start to. (Ok, wishful thinking. But it could happen!)
COMMENT 325048P	2012-09-27 06:24 PM
We ended up with our neighbor's neglected cat. She came over and found me -- someone who knows how to appreciate a cat -- and refused to return home. Pets need love. Her owner was thankful to be free of her, as it had been a burden she inadvertently ended up with, trying to help out friends who were moving and had to leave this much-loved cat behind... Perhaps you could print this set of responses and politely hand it to the owner (or anonymously leave it for them to read)? Some people shouldn't own animals; this sounds like the case here.
COMMENT 325079P	2012-09-27 07:41 PM
Liberate the poor baby, but bring him to the HS as your own
COMMENT 325081	2012-09-27 07:49 PM
079p- You advocate theft and fraud. No bueno!
COMMENT 325083	2012-09-27 07:55 PM
Thank you for your kind heart. You must talk sweetly with neighbors. Keep to your script. Be ready w/ printed info re: dogs as pack animals, dogs needing lots of attention. Have in hand a list of local rehab/rehome dog groups, when neighbors start in about their lack of time to interact with dogs. No changes made? Talk w/ head of Animal Control (not a worker bee). When AC says "no can do," mention contacting local papers (letters to editor), Mayor, County Supe, US Humane Society, ASPCA. Threaten to "out" AC inefficiency, and follow through. Squeaky wheel, squeaky wheel. It is not your responsibility to walk these dogS (both animals need rescuing). Please don't let up. These dogs need your help.You will be their (and my) hero(ine).
COMMENT 325110	2012-09-27 08:46 PM
Call animal control and describe the situation and how troubling it is to you. I did this once and they were great.
COMMENT 325153	2012-09-28 07:26 AM
When abuse of animals (or children) is suspected, that's everyone's business......authorities should be called and questions asked. Hurt to vulnerable populations should never be ignored in the interests of "privacy."
COMMENT 325156	2012-09-28 07:27 AM
Call Animal Services. If they don't respond to your satisfaction, make your concerns known in writing to the PHD, which supervises Animal Services, and to the BOS. That is the only way as you as a tax payer, are going get their attention on to something that matters to you.
COMMENT 325160	2012-09-28 07:32 AM
Still, the best comment is to offer to take the dog for walks. I hate to think that wouldn't be done for fear of liability. Liability in our society is another matter.........
COMMENT 325168	2012-09-28 07:50 AM
Google the poem, "alone again" and leave a copy in their mailbox. It's a tearjerker about a family who gets a dog then ignores it.
COMMENT 325213P	2012-09-28 09:08 AM
I agree that owners should have to get a mandatory license and agree to certain basics of care and tending or forfeit their animals. I fear the OP's neighbors' dogs are for guard dog duties, they will never be a part of the household, they are "for protection". I feel the OP's pain. I have, for about 10 years... I live in an area of large lots; a new couple with two toddlers moved in with two dogs who serially howled and barked all day when left alone. They had the dogs, she said, because she didn't feel safe without a barking dog. My other previously conscientious neighbor has rented his house to 3 students who all have dogs--one lab, and four hunting hounds. The din is terrible when they bark all day at being left alone (or when the female is in heat). This type of animal ownership is the 500 pound gorilla in the room. No one talks about it but the inflicted neighbors. No agency will do anything about it because they have no jurisdiction. The fact that it deflates property values is ignored. I think there is no doubt that neighbors' health suffers from witnessing this sort of neglectful abuse.
COMMENT 325221	2012-09-28 09:20 AM
936: speechless....who protects the ones who cannot speak for themselves ( childern, elderly, cultural minorities, the unempowered, the poor, the sick..and animals)?
COMMENT 325347	2012-09-28 12:09 PM
Report this to K9-Pals or DAWG. I believe they will go out and check on the animals. I hope so. :-(
COMMENT 325352	2012-09-28 12:15 PM
@221- Really? Speechless? They aren't abusing the animal. There is no abuse. Get over it.

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