case of neglect? what should I do?

I work as a groomer at a pet store, and I got a miniature schnauzer in today that I suspect is a neglected dog. He was emaciated (we could feel his spine and every rib in his body), filthy, had a bad ear infection in his left ear, and this is the kicker: his left eye was matted SHUT. He couldn't see! His right eye was bad, too, but not as much. When I managed to get the hair clipped away from his eyes, we noticed that both his eyes were infected, too. I cleaned up his eyes as much as I could, but didn't clean or pluck the ears... should I?

Is this neglect, or just a really ignorant owner? I work in a store, so I don't want to cost business by raising a stink, but should I report them to the humane society? (maybe anonymously on my day off?)

I would do something, I might would talk to my boss first, and then go from there.

I'd be more likely to use a pet store that cared about animals so much that they reported neglected animals

Definitely speak to your boss, and if they say to leave it, then report it anonymously.

Well, it's possible that the owner has recently rescued the dog, hence the condition it's in. It seems unlikely (though not impossible) that the owner would care so little about the animal to let it get into that state, but then go to the expensive of having it fixed. Check the situation, including the owner's ignorance level - fixable, especially if the owner cares (and seems to, at least a bit).

But if checking you still think neglect is likely - please do report it.

Edited to add: let the owner know that the dog needs a trip to the vet because of the infection - their response will likely be indicative of their level of concern and care.

I agree with Satai, I can't see someone neglecting the dog to that extent and then paying to have it groomed... I would check into the situation more before reporting them

It's still worth putting a complaint in so it goes on record. The animal control can speak to the owners if necessary and find out for themselves why the dog is in that condition.

If I'd just rescued that dog I'd bemaking it very clear when I took it into grooming why it was unkempt and that I was just starting of the process of making it healthy and happy again.

Originally Posted by Satai

Well, it's possible that the owner has recently rescued the dog, hence the condition it's in. It seems unlikely (though not impossible) that the owner would care so little about the animal to let it get into that state, but then go to the expensive of having it fixed. Check the situation, including the owner's ignorance level - fixable, especially if the owner cares (and seems to, at least a bit).

But if checking you still think neglect is likely - please do report it.

Edited to add: let the owner know that the dog needs a trip to the vet because of the infection - their response will likely be indicative of their level of concern and care.

Click to expand...

Exactly that.


I was at a PDSA clinic a couple months ago and there was a lady there with a dog that was emaciated and had no fur whatsoever except for a couple of tufts on it's head.
Everybody was looking at her and giving her dirty looks.
I started talking to her and found out that the dog was a rescue dog from the PDSA and was there for a check up.

I wouldn't be so quick to judge.If the person is has taken the dog for a makeover then they may just be involved in rescue.You never know.

I would get talking to the person,when they come to collect the dog.Find out some details first.

I agree that you should have a talk with the owner first and try to understand the situation. If you get the feel from him/her after that they really don't care or are neglecting the animal - then definitely report it to the humane society. If you report it anonymously - he/she can say it was you, but nobody has any way to prove it so it shouldn't have any effect on the shop you work in if the owner of the shop doesn't want you to get involved.

If he was being neglected, why would they bring him to a groomer? I mean, if they didn't care, why would they spend money getting him groomed?

I am with Trout's_Mom.. I would ask the people who brought him to get groomed why he is so skinny and such. maybe they just rescued him?

It's very possible that he's a rescue. I highly doubt that someone that was neglecting thier dog would waste money on a groomer. I would just point out the issue to the owner and see how they respond.