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  1. #1
    Puppy SunnySideUp's Avatar
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    Should I report to Humane Society?

    Hey all,

    I have a bit of a moral dilemma and I was looking for some outside opinions.

    A neighbor a couple of houses down has a small dog that they keep in a fenced pen outside. The dog looks to possibly be a mixed breed that doesn't have a thick coat (think a coat like a Jack Russel's or Dachshund's).

    The fenced pen is I'm guessing no bigger than 4 x 8, with no grass only concrete, and a small wooden dog house that has an open entryway with no door.

    Every time we go outside this poor sweet thing is whining and watching us. We have confirmed with two different neighbors that the dog is always left outside, for at least the past two years. I can't confirm this - but the neighbor's have also said the owner sometimes brings the dog food. Only "sometimes".

    We are located in Canada so this poor little dog is outside in all extreme weather - bitter freezing cold, and extreme heat summers.

    You may be yelling "CALL THE HUMANE SOCIETY!!" The problem arises as my SO and I have only moved into this house about two months ago. We are concerned of creating bad blood if an investigation is done - it wouldn't be hard to put two and two together that no problems until the new neighbors have moved in.

    I very much appreciate your advice and what you would do in this situation. Thanks in advance everyone!

  2. #2
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    I think I would start by looking up the rules for your area. In many areas, the requirement is only that “shelter” be provided, which it sounds like it may have been in this case. If the dog doesn’t appear to be underfed or in poor health, the Humane Society may not be able to get involved, in which case there might not be a point to calling. Unfortunately, just because people keep their dogs in conditions that are not up to our standards, it’s not always illegal
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  3. #3
    Puppy SunnySideUp's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Annette47 View Post
    I think I would start by looking up the rules for your area. In many areas, the requirement is only that “shelter” be provided, which it sounds like it may have been in this case. If the dog doesn’t appear to be underfed or in poor health, the Humane Society may not be able to get involved, in which case there might not be a point to calling. Unfortunately, just because people keep their dogs in conditions that are not up to our standards, it’s not always illegal
    A very excellent suggestion! Thank you for pointing it out. I've just read through our city's and province's by-laws and (paraphrasing) they state that an owner needs to provide appropriate care for an animal and not neglect the animal. Nothing specific for canines about the type of shelter required or do's and dont's about dogs living outside. Investigations are done on an individual basis and are judged and acted on accordingly.

    Knowing that, any further recommendations?

    Thanks again!

  4. #4
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    Our OSPCA is pretty useless, if you ask me. I've called and they won't investigate if there is shelter, food and water provided. Local humane societies may be better. One to the south of me is pretty active, the one that covers where I live, not so much. I've been told a dog running loose and in danger of being hit must be caught and held by me before anyone will even come out to get it.

    I agree with Annette, google and see who covers where you live and look for the ability to inform them anonymously. You never know, the people who told you it IS left out all the time may be mistaken, or worse. Does it bark? Check for noise bylaws.
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  5. #5
    Senior Dog
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    Or you could call the Humane Society and ask for their take on the situation relative to illegality. They should be able to investigate without disclosing who reported it...perhaps even just that "it was noticed" and let your neighbors think the society folks spotted the problem. There's a good chance they'll understand your reluctance but the dog's welfare is at stake and they may be willing to work with you...if it is, indeed, illegal.

  6. #6
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Tough situation.

    I once called about a horse left outside in winter/bad weather. Fact was that there was a high brick wall with two large trees covering the area. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the law that was enough.

    I like Sundance's suggestion. Call and see what options are available.
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  7. #7
    Senior Dog TuMicks's Avatar
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    Is the water frozen during the day? If so, then the dog does not have water. That may be your ace in the hole.

  8. #8
    Best Friend Retriever annkie's Avatar
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    Personally, I would call. They don't have to disclose who reported it. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night otherwise. I don't really care about creating "bad blood". Especially not with a neighbor who treats animals like that.


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  9. #9
    Senior Dog labsnewfy's Avatar
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    I would call in for a wellness check. I have done this several times both here and in other states I have been too for a visit/vacation and found disturbing circumstances with animals.
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  10. #10
    Puppy SunnySideUp's Avatar
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    Hey guys!

    Thank you all for your very valuable input. I really like the idea of first just calling to find out if anything can be done or should be checked in on. Like labsnewfy mentioned, a "wellness check".

    At the end of the day, it's not like we want to get these people in trouble, only that my heart breaks for this doggo. It would be just as awesome if I were to be proven wrong in this situation.

    I will keep you all updated!

  11. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to SunnySideUp For This Useful Post:

    annkie (03-24-2017), Snowshoe (03-24-2017), SunDance (03-24-2017), TuMicks (03-24-2017)

 



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