Tough dog situation- I need some advice! (shepherd, husky, legal)

[katie_c_s]

So during the summer of 2007, I was roommates with a guy that abused his dog. The dog was terrified of him and peed herself when she saw him. I saw him beat her and wanted to give her away that summer, but my plan was ruined when he decided to move to FL and took her on the plane with him. I hadn't seen her since.

Then last night, she was in our alley, wet, exhausted, and scared to death. Even though my boyfriend and I knew her name, she was terrified to come to us. She crawled to us from 10 yds away; she didn't know if she was going to get hit or not. I KNOW he's been mistreating her.

So I don't want to give her back to him, but I can't keep her because we already have 4 dogs. I called the Humane Society and they told me that a missing dog report had been filed so if I took her there, he would be notified. They also said that if he found out that I had taken her to a different shelter, I could be charged with theft, since she is his "property".

I thought about filing an abuse case against him, but will that really do any good? Will they take her from him or will he just get a slap on the wrist?

I am at a loss. I don't want her to suffer anymore, but I can't get myself into legal trouble either. What should I do?? She deserves a better life than this. She's very intelligent and super sweet. She would make an amazing pet for someone who cared for her.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[CoastalMaine]

If I lived in CO, I'd meet you and take the dog, but I live on the east coast. I just get so upset when I hear of this type of thing. What is wrong with people like that? Good God.

I wish I could be of more help. Hopefully there's people from the area that post on here that could help you out by taking her.

What breed of dog is she? How old is she now? I wonder how she got from Florida back to CO? Did he move back to the area? Where is Salida, CO near? Ugh. Sorry for all the questions!! I hate feeling so powerless to help!

[DandJ]

I ditto what CoastalMaine wrote. So frustrating...

I'm so sorry for your pain -- and for the dog's too, of course. It's terribly sad.

[CoastalMaine]

Are there any carvans from your area to the east coast?

[katie_c_s]

She's a 3 year old spayed husky/dingo mix (I think). I'm kind-of scared to put a ton of information on here because Salida is a small place and someone might figure out who I'm talking about... but on the other hand, I really need some help on this one. Salida is about 2.5 hours SW of Denver. She needs to be adopted by someone that doesn't live in the Salida area because I'm sure he'd see her sometime or something.

If anyone is really interested, I can send them a picture of her and answer any questions they might have.

[Viralmd]

The ASPCA is an organization that can intervene with animal abuse. Did you tell them that the dog is abused and should not go back to her 'owner?'

[katie_c_s]

I told the local Human Society about the abuse and they told me I could file a report with the police, but they couldn't do anything except fine him as much as possible (for stuff like not having a city tag). I'm just worried that I'll go through all the trouble of filing a report and she'll end up with him anyway. I haven't contacted the ASPCA though. I'll call them and see what they say. Thanks!

[LingLing]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

The ASPCA is an organization that can intervene with animal abuse. Did you tell them that the dog is abused and should not go back to her 'owner?'

If there is no obvious evidence, they would not do anything. If the evidence was solely from Katie_C_S, she will get a lot of headache and the dog will still stay with the owner. I think the best way is to get the dog out of that area and find the dog a good home. It is easy to say and difficult to achieve. Coastal Maine seems to have the right idea.

[latetotheparty]

if no help is forthcoming from the aspca, maybe see if you can find a rescue or rescue(s) in the area that could take her and spirit it her away to safety..... rescue transports run nearly every weekend......

might have to involve some clever "playing dumb."

salida.... that is close to leadville??

[AlexandriaVa11]

Have you tried to contact any dog rescue groups in your area? They might be able to help with an out-of-state transfer situation.

We adopted a beautiful rescue (shepherd) a couple of years ago, and I know that the organization we worked with helped to save abused animals from all locales. The stories they shared were horrible. Could never live around that kind of work. Anyway, please Google around and see if you can find anything in or near your area. Someone from one rescue group could possibly put you in contact with another rescue organization or someone who can help you.

Good luck!