What is the point? (long)

Why would someone have a dog that they are not going to care for?

Earlier this summer, I had to call Animal Control Twice about this dog owner who just let her dog run free in the neighborhood. It growled at me on several different occasions in my own yard. It is just a little black and white Pekinese type dog, but I have the right to go into my own yard and not be growled at.

Since then, this poor dog has spent its life tied on the front porch. It can go out into the front yard or onto the porch. It has a little dog house to go into, but this poor creature doesn't get taken on walks or get to go into the house. This dog is so miserable that it barks a lot.

Now that it has gotten cold, I really feel sorry for the dog. So I called the Animal Control in early December. The lady picked up the phone and asked if I minded being put on hold. I said no, I don't mind. She put the phone down on the desk and proceeded to carry out a transaction with whoever was at the counter. I could hear the entire thing. I even heard his social security number. After about 10 or 15 minutes, I felt like my ears were going to bleed from listening to the conversation so I hung up. I emailed the local police about the situation, but they can't do anything except give the lady a noise violation IF they catch the dog barking. So I have been trying to call the Animal Control people back, but all I get for the past couple of days is a busy signal. They don't have an email address. I just sent an email to the local Humane Society even though they defer all dog and cat complaints to Animal Control. I briefly explained about the situation and am hoping they can help.

What is the point of having a dog if you are not going to care for it? I don't blame the dog for any of this, it is an irresponsible owner.

Well, the Humane Society just emailed and they can't help me. The local Animal Control is the only one that I can go through and I can't seem to get through to them.

you get through to animal control and they're able to intervene!

I take it there's no SPCA around you? Here they're (legally) responsible for handling animal abuse problems.

I take it there's no SPCA around you? Here they're (legally) responsible for handling animal abuse problems

Here, too.

Welderwoman, I have a neighbor like that, too. Their dog spends hours outside without food or shelter. I've called several times the ACO and about the only result has been they'll take her in when they see me outside. Which I guess is better than nothing.

I agree - what's the point?

Originally Posted by LDG

you get through to animal control and they're able to intervene!

I take it there's no SPCA around you? Here they're (legally) responsible for handling animal abuse problems.

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There is the Miami County Animal Shelter and the local Humane Society. The only SPCA that I was able to find is a statewide one that says to contact the local animal shelter if you suspect abuse or neglect.

Well, at least you got the run-around. Obviously it's different in Florida. Here when you call the police, they give you the SPCA number, and when the SPCA officer comes out to take all the info (which they keep anonymous), the officer is wearing a gun. It definitely seemed weird at first!

Originally Posted by LDG

Well, at least you got the run-around.

Obviously it's different in Florida. Here when you call the police, they give you the SPCA number, and when the SPCA officer comes out to take all the info (which they keep anonymous), the officer is wearing a gun. It definitely seemed weird at first!

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Miami County Ohio - sorry The lovely white stuff outside is snow, not sand

Well, I finally got through to the Animal Shelter and described the situation to them. They asked if the dog has shelter and I told them that there is indeed a wooden shelter on the front porch, but this dog lives its entire life on this cable and it isn't fair to the dog. The lady said that if the dog has shelter, food, and water, then that is all that is required by law, but they will go talk to her anyway.

Originally Posted by WELDRWOMN

Miami County Ohio - sorry

The lovely white stuff outside is snow, not sand

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OK - now I "get" your location!

Originally Posted by WELDRWOMN

Well, I finally got through to the Animal Shelter and described the situation to them. They asked if the dog has shelter and I told them that there is indeed a wooden shelter on the front porch, but this dog lives its entire life on this cable and it isn't fair to the dog. The lady said that if the dog has shelter, food, and water, then that is all that is required by law, but they will go talk to her anyway.

Click to expand...

Oh how amazingly sad.

It is supposed to be in the single digits tonight, the wind chill is already 0 degrees, and all the little dog has is the dog house. And it is all legal.

The dog barked for 45 minutes solid this morning with its high pitched little barks that penetrate into my brain. It was early enough that I became seriously annoyed and called the police and made a noise complaint. An officer came out while the dog was still barking and talked to the lady. She didn't bring the dog in though. I wish she would because it is 15 degrees this morning.

Wow this is just so sad!

Continued for the little guy!

(And for you - that is seriously annoying). I wonder how many times the police get called with a noise complaint before they do something about the dog? Maybe that's what ends up happening here?

I haven't seen or heard the dog since this morning. I don't know if she took it inside or something else? It is nice that the high-pitched yapping is quiet, but I feel so guilty for causing trouble.

Hopefully doggie is warm inside.

I dont understand that either. Dogs are not lawn ornaments

I live in Ohio too, and its very cold.. too cold for a small dog to be outside. heck my mom even brings her husky mix inside when its this cold.. and she has a thick winter coat! The husky normally likes being outside, but she does anticipate getting out of the weather too when it gets bad.

Ohio has very poor laws regarding how pets are kept tho. As long as you meet minimal standards of food, water and shelter, and minimal vet care (rabies shot, and any obvious illness/injuries are treated), there's not much that can be done. The noise complaint is all you really have to fall back on.

Even barking complaints will only go so far, they may get a warning.. perhaps if there are enough complaints they will get fined. The dog wont be taken away for barking, but perhaps if they get enough fines they will keep the dog inside.

Have you seen the little guy at all?

I have seen the dog just once. It was the other morning, she brought it out on a leash to do its business. Maybe she got the hint....that is all I really wanted

Oh that's great!