I need advice/help with what to do about my neighbor and their dog!

My neighbors have a cute little dog named Max. Poor Max it tied up to a tree from about 7/7:30 AM to about 10/10:30 PM every day/night. I can't walk into my back yard without the dog barking at me. There is no dog house or place for shelter for Max to go. Well last night put me over the top, at 3:00 A.M. the dog woke me up with his barking. The poor doggy barked for over a half an hour before he stopped. I assume the owners took him inside. FYI The temperatures where below freezing last night.

HELP! My husband and boss (who is a lawyer) told me to call the SPCA, or confront the neighbors. I was about to get out of bed last night to contact the police but didn't.

Any guidance you can provide will be greatly appreciated...I'm torn on what to do. I am deeply upset with the treatment of Max.

or they will take the dog away from them... it can mean some hard feelings from the neighbors

I don't have a "relationship" with these neighbors, they are little strange, but nice. I think it comes down to what is in the best interest for Max.

I agree you need to get animal control involved.

calling the authorities.

but I have to say that in general owners get very defensive and do not acknowledge their short comings as owners. I still do not talk to my neighbor after confronting her about her cat who loved to poop in my garden. As I warned her the cat died prematurely because she let it outdoors.

When I first moved into my current place there were neighbors 2 doors away who had a 8X10 foot outdoor pen in the back yard in which they kept 3 large dogs. No fence around the yard. The dogs barked at everything they could see and the owner was usually not around.

You hate to call the police on your first day in the new neighborhood. So I went out with my dog on a leash and walked over to talk to the owner. His dogs went nuts and we could hardly hear each other. My dog was quiet. The guy explained to me that he bought the pen so his dogs could get some exercise and be out in the fresh air all day. (He almost never walked them, but when he did it turned out that they were aggressive and difficult to walk). I told him they were barking all afternoon while he was out, and he said "no one has ever complained before".

The next time I got fed up I called the police, who came to my door and asked me what I wanted them to do! And their first question was "have you tried talking to the owner"? Apparently letting your dogs bark all day is not against the law. Neither is never walking them.

The neighbor on the other side of me would deliberately walk her dog in my back yard to take a dump and there was shit everywhere. Apparently she thought this was ok because 1) I was renting and did not own the property and 2)since I had a dog I wouldn't know the difference.

Both of these situations eventually got worked out but it took a long time and the people were firmly committed to keep on doing what they were doing. I was the new person, so I was the problem.

if that happened!

Ask questions and lots of them. Write down all your concerns and don't stop until you get answers.
Obviously, if the animal gets put down, that's not the solution.
Max is not chained to his tree this morning? That may be a good sign. But, no doubt, he'll be back out there soon enough.
Poor thing, what a horrible life.
He barks because he wants some attention and it's the only way he can get it.

That's like saying, "We had to destroy the village in order to save it."

overwhelmed with animals. With the economy as bad as it is, people can't afford to feed their pets, so they are handing over their pet to the SPCA.

I assume it varies but we have excellent rescue groups which foster animals instead of killing them.

They will often counsel the owners on the needs of the animal and try to get them to take better care of it. Getting these organizations involved would be best since they will send out trained personnel who have the authority behind them to insist on changes.

The OP might want to ask for whoever responds to the call to talk to them first so all the issues involved (barking for hours, left without shelter in addition to left out in the cold and barking in the middle of the night) can be addressed.

They obviously don't care about the dog.

I think the SPCA or animal control officer might be the best route.

It's a sad situation.

The ordinance allows us to call to make a complaint, which is acted upon by the town. Your SPCA may be helpful in figuring out how/what to do.

let Max run around free...into my yard. The HOA told them they couldn't have the dog running around freely, we have lease laws in Cary, NC. I told the neighbors I didn't mind the dog in my yard, but if he leaves me presents, I want them picked up. I have been more than forgiving with these folks, but last night put me over the top!

that's cruelty. you should be able to report anonymously if you're worried about retribution

make an anonymous complaint to animal control in your area. A call to the local Humane Society or animal shelter will get you the number of the correct person to call if you are not sure.

Even if tying out is not specifically prohibited where you are, leaving a dog out in subzero weather has got be regarded as abuse.

I do know we have lease laws in Cary, NC.

They do not have the time to care for him and they are worried more about their carpet than the welfare of a little dog. It is probably illegal to tie a dog out without shelter. Dogs need attention as much as they need food and water. I have little understanding for people who neglect dogs. Call the SPCA and rest assured that you have done the right thing. Your neighbors will barely miss him.

could use this during the winter? Once you start this discussion see where this goes? Bring Max water and treats. Let the neighbors know that you like their dog.

and put the OP in the position of being responsible for the dog while the dog is still left out in the cold and suffering. That's like trying to watch over another person's child while leaving that child in the care of an abusive parent. In a case where the cruelty is obvious there are laws which protect the abused, whether they're animals or people.

bedroom window, barked and howled constantly. I talked to them to no avail. After a month with no sleep and watching the dog suffer, I called animal control. They cited them to court and the judge gave them a month to make other arrangements for the dog. I took video and presented it in court. They finally just moved.. I have no idea what happened to the dog. I believe in today's more progressive age of intolerance of animal cruelty, this would be handled in a more efficient way and the dog would be placed in a GOOD home or adopted by a rescue group. If there are any animal rescue groups in your area, you could try that too.

The owners should be chained to a tree.

about Max. I see that the dog is NOT outside this morning (thankfully). I agree, I would love to tie the owners up to a tree!

Perhaps their dog tears up their house when they're gone, and they can't afford a fence. Perhaps they're temporarily cash strapped and can't buy a dog house. Perhaps something could be worked out with them.

Go talk to your neighbors before getting various authorities involved.

When they moved in, they mentioned a fence, but haven't done anything about it.

In this day and age, having new cars is no guarantee that there aren't money problems. Hell, I had a neighbor who bought four new ATV's for his family, along with two new cars. Everybody thought they were doing well until their foolish handling of credit caught up to them and they had their house, cars and ATV's repoed.

You could buy them a dog house. I know it is not cheap but it could be a win win for you. You show kindness to your neighbor and the dog is not barking all the time.

I do understand if you don't want to take this route.

Rescue it while the dog is still healthy because if you wait till it's dead or dying you will regret it for the rest of your life.

As for your neighbors... they'll know you aren't afraid to call law enforcement. And the sooner you rescue the dog the less likely your neighbors will be charged with cruelty and neglect which in some cities and states is a crime. The dog deserves a chance.

As soon as you ask yourself 'what's the right thing to do' rather than 'what should I do' the answer is an easy one.

if he doesn't find a home? Perhaps he is not well-housebroken, or has some other behavioral issue inside the house that keeps this family from bringing him in, and they don't know what else to do with him? On the other hand, how happy can he possibly be when he's tied up all day outside freezing his doggy butt off? And are you prepared for confrontation if the neighbors either suspect or find out that it was you who reported them? Would they be upset that you didn't come to them first with your concerns, or would they just be total jerks no matter what you did? I have a neighbor who keeps his dog (Chow mix) in a large fenced-in kennel day and night, the dog never gets to go in the house because the wife is an insane neat freak, and although I feel bad that the poor animal has not much of a life and never seems to get any attention or love, he does have a small kennel within the larger one to sleep in, and he is covered from the sun/snow and appears well-fed--so TECHNICALLY, he's taken care of in terms of basic needs, so I have kept my mouth shut. Good luck to you.

Watch Dogtown on the Animal Planet channel. Those people were completely successful at rehabilitated Vick's pitbulls.

there might be a reason why he's outside all the time--a lot of people do that with their dogs when they run into a behavioral issue that they are either too lazy or too incapable of training out of the dog. It could be a fairly quick fix (like crate training for a house piddler) or the dog might be a biter or massively destructive chewer. I'm just throwing out food for thought while the OP makes her decision.

Document the dog being tied up, if possible.

Animal cruelty is intolerable.

In most places animals out in the weather MUST have access to food, water (not frozen), shelter with straw or some kind of insulation. This is a law in many places. PLEASE contact your local animal control, ASPCA or Humane Society now, don't wait until tomorrow.
To NOT do so means you are in agreement with the dog's care.

You'd be a little more inclined to think and act for yourself. Sorry. I just thought that was weird.

that you were confused by the post.

Just can't seem to figure the "right" thing to do.

with letters mailed to neighbors. It sounds funny, but letters work pretty well. You can write them with care, avoiding the usual recriminations when you confront a neighbor in person about an issue like this one.

Just a thought.

I've successfully solved neighbor problems that way. It avoids the confrontational pride often exhibited when trying to resolve such things face to face.

check out craigslist. I've seen a few free doghouses recently.

Good luck with the situation.

If so, or a rescue Group. please contact them and tell them what is going on. Ask for help. I think your neighbors hate their dog and for that reason, will surrender it possibly. You should not contact the police nor the Animal Control, etc..... This will only make the dog suffer in the end.
One of our neighbors dogs was tied to a tree in 102 weather, no shade and no water. He barked and barked. All day. Then I saw them beat him. I went to talk to them very nicely and said "It is difficult for me to hear the puppy cry and to see him unhappy, if you cannot or do not want to take care of him, maybe you would want to surrender him to me. I will find a home for him". They got a bit mad as they were drunks. But a day later the drunk man came over with the dog and gave him to me. I couldn't place him so he lives here with us now for three years. He is a mess from being abused but getting better slowly. We named him Aman but I affectionately call him Amanabama. Good luck.

There are no-kill shelters, but they are in a different county. If they give me the dog, I can not even drop the dog off the no kill shelter, I would have to drop him off at my county SPCA, who does put down animals.

:thumbsup:

I am not suggesting anything except to try and be creative.

Think everything over before doing anything.

And by the way, you have real dicks for neighbors.

I feel sorry for you and the poor dog.

Don

Yes, the more I know my neighbor's the more I don't like them.

I didn't mean to be mean. this is such a common problem. and yes it is a hard one to fix. you obviously WANT to do something, but want to do it in a way that won't offend anyone. Just resign yourself to the fact that you probably will hurt their feelings in one way or another, but their is no real way of knowing how much.

OK, now that you can accept that, just act on your real feelings about the entire thing - but don't do it at an emotional moment, like the middle of the night, or when the dog is barking for hours and you're fed up.

1. Identify the problem - get a cup of coffee and write down the real problem. How it affects you, and why it bothers you.

2. What solutions can you offer - think about what you are willing to do and how far you are willing to go. Don't write these down, but have them at the ready. Tons of great ideas on this post.

3. Go knock on the neighbor's door. If you have any fear, bring someone with you, or at least have someone watching.

4. Tell the neighbor your issues, and allow them the opportunity to tell you their side. give them the chance to rectify the situation.

5. After they have explained, then offer any of your help you are willing to give. Don't give more than you were originally willing to offer.

6. If they will not do anything to change the situation, notify them of the laws and ordinances they are breaking, and tell them you are going to call animal control and file a noise complaint. period. then go home.

Love your ideas, am taking them to heart.

it takes a lot of the anxiety out of things. good luck. I think you'll be surprised how positive it might all actually turn out. Oh and I forgot one other thing...be willing to accept a compromise that keeps the dog safe. You might want to think about negotiables and non-negotiables ahead of time.

It's obvious you care for this little guy.
His irritating barking isn't bothering you as much as the fact it's his cry for help. You are answering his cries.
Be SURE to let everyone here know the outcome of your efforts. (start a new OP if necessary)
And hats off to you for doing what you know you must.
It could (and probably will) get uncomfortable at moments.
:yourock:

this one is literally in my back yard, it is killing me to see him suffer. Thanks, and once I decide what action to take, I'll be sure to let you know.

If it is below freezing, I would imagine that his water would be frozen and NOT an adequate water supply. That should be enough to get animal control out pronto.

dog's owner. The poor dog was that talk of the street. A person from a no-kill shelter came and observed the dog one day. Then, a few nights later, the dog disappeared. No one on the street claimed responsibility, but it was obvious that someone had rescued the dog. A few weeks later a photo of the dog, happy and warm, curled up on a dog bed next to some new doggy friends was emailed out to the group of concerned neighbors. The dog had a new home!

A friend and I did that in Pittsburgh lo these many years ago in the dead of night. But we had a home lined up for him. He lived happily ever after.:evilgrin:

to Frick Park today where she ran like crazy while wearing these hilarious snow boots. She looked ridiculous, but otherwise her paws go numb in less than two minutes and she literally can't walk. This weather is pretty extreme to a transplant from Texas!

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/valentines_for_chained_dogs_010709.html

There is a lot of info there.
Where are you, by the way?

I'm in Cary, NC (Wake County).

be it your local police department or Sheriff's Office, they'll contact the SPCA or Humane shelter in your area and then they'll probably pay them a joint visit to explain how what they are doing is sheer cruelty.

Where I live, there are:

1. laws are that animals must have shelters.
2. There are ordinances about dogs barking (no longer than 20 minutes *unless* there is someone trespassing on your property and they're trying to warn you).
3. many, many no-kill shelters

I wouldn't think twice about calling animal control on a mistreated dog, because this is a dog-loving state. And if animal control didn't come (because I'm a transplant so the police and all ignore me when I call, although if someone calls on me for some trumped up issue, they're here in a heartbeat) I'd do some version of the routine below.

HOWEVER, in a state with high-kill shelters and poor laws or enforcement of laws regarding care, I would simply take the dog in the middle of the night and hide him inside.

And at the first available opportunity (read: the next day) take him to an out of state rescue to find a better home.

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/handout2.pdf

Mail it to them, It is illegal to put it in their mailbox. Mail one letter every day if needed until they bring that animal inside.

I did this to my upstairs neighbors and now the dog has become an involved member of that family.

some day very soon.

You have a couple options. I would call Animal Control. Not having shelter is usually one of the points of an animal cruelty charge. No idea how long it would take them to do anything though, that's the problem, and that's IF they do anything.

The idea is to do what's best for the dog, fuck the neighbors. Personally, I'd just steal the dog and rehome him. I'm sure anyone who knows me isn't surprised by the idea. I'm not suggesting you do that, but that's what I would do. Short of that, out of concern for the dog, I'd talk to the neighbors and ask if it would be okay for me to get the dog some shelter. Then I'd buy 5 bales of hay, and make an "igloo" out of them. Best doghouse in the world, and very cheap.

Thing is, it's important to do something NOW. It's not getting any warmer out there.

Good luck, and thanks for being the only person in the world that seems to care about this dog.