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I have a neighbor who has a large dog. I don't know what breed it is, but it's big; perhaps standing between 3 and 4 feet high. This dog barks all the time, which drives me crazy, but whatever; I can ignore it to some degree.
However, at about 5:30 or so last night, I saw this neighbor put the dog into a wire cage (the kind that you'd transport a dog in) underneath their deck. The cage is just large enough to hold the dog, but it appears to have no insulation or siding (to be fair, I haven't walked over and examined the cage close up). The owner gave the dog some water in a metal bowl, and then left the dog outside overnight. Seeing as the outdoor temperatures were down in the mid-20s last night, I'm sure the dog's water froze.
This is the first time I've seen this animal caged up like this, but I have a suspicion that it's not the first time it's happened. On occasion, the dog will be tethered to one of the trees in the back yard. I also see the dog inside this neighbor's house from time to time (it will occasionally bark at me through their sun room window).
What, if anything, can I do about this situation? It seems to me that keeping the dog cooped up like this, especially when it's really cold outside, is wrong. Some of the definitions in the animal anti-tethering ordinance (PDF here: http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/agendas/2...619_245316.pdf) seem to concur.
I should note that I don't really know these neighbors, and have never interacted with them. I'm not the confrontational type, but I feel like the dog might be getting mistreated. Can anyone offer any advice on what I should do?
I have worked with the Coalition. They are a long-term solution, *if* you can get on the waiting list. When I have asked for assistance, they told me they don't travel out this far (FV) and "start a coalition chapter of my own."
I have, of sorts - not affiliated with anyone but myself. Hence the walking education of this town from a previous post.
For IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE call animal control. And if you must ride them, then ride them. Politely, but do it.
Location: (Orginally From Ann Arbor, MI) Now reside in Evans, Georgia
560 posts, read 1,143,312 times
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might seem a bit under handed but sometimes it is needed..do you by chance have home camera for security reasons? Keep a detailed log of questionible behvaiors, document it as much as you can. take video footage and pictures if at all possible . Show it to them dirctly and make sure they know it is urgent and you have documented proof for an investigation. Speeds up the process when they know its not a dead end lead.
First speak directly to the neighbor about your concerns. That is the most honorable thing to do. Give them a chance to explain things. If they are mistreating the animal, offer to take it into your home temporarily until you find it a home. If at that point you determine that there is abuse and it will continue, then report them. Since your goal is to help the dog, stay as friendly and compassionate as possible while hearing their side of the story -- who knows if this household is dealing with something tragic or overwhelming to cause them to neglect the dog.
Please, I beg you, please follow through with this. This dog needs your help.
I know from experience that it can be difficult to get Animal Control to get to each and every case.
Please persist and do let us know what happens.
Thank you!
Agreed. Do the right thing...see this through....
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