How long can a 45lb, 5 1/2 month old puppy be left in a crate before it's considered "NEGLECT"??

Question

I need to find out if the actions of someone would be consider animal cruelty and if I should report them to the ASPCA

Answer 1

I think that if it is routinely left in there long enough that it has to urinate or defecate in the crate, that would qualify. Other than that, I don't know where the line would be. Maybe if it gets so little exercise that its muscles start to atrophy.

Answer 2

A five and a half month old puppy shouldn't be left in a crate more than 5 hours at a time unless it's in the crate to sleep through the night.

Puppies need to be exercised and let out to relieve themselves before being crated, and the rule of thumb is they can "hold it" for 1 hour per month old.

Is the pup getting socialized and interacting with it's family and other dogs and people? A puppy who spends most of his day in a crate, then sleeps in the crate all night is really not getting what it needs. Quite possibly, if it has to be crated during the day while everyone's gone, instead of the crate, it could be baby-gated in a safe room with newspaper at one end and it's toys and water on the other end. Kitchens are good for this.

A 45# 51/2 month old pup is a big dog. I hope it's getting out for lots of exercise and play.

Try to help the family with some solutions, or even an offer to give the dog a potty and play break if you know them well. It's always better to attempt to educate or help than just jump on the reporting to authorities, although I understand your heart's in the right place.

Possibly they didn't realize what having this dog would entail, and may need to consider re-homing it if they can't give it the time and attention it needs.

Best wishes and thanks for caring!!

Answer 3

If the puppy has been left in the crate for 5 1/2 months, then it is already neglect. My brother in law bought a puppy that had been left in the garage alone, and so when he brought it home, it was so scared of everything! That puppy NEEDS to be socialized ASAP in order for it to be a good house pet, otherwise it could come out having a bad personality, and that would be a tragedy. Please call th ASPCA!

Answer 4

LEGALLY I AM NOT SURE...
BUT.
THERE IS A GOOD IDEA ABOUT JUDGING IT...
HERE ARE THE THINGS AN INVESTIGATOR WILL LOOK AT BEFORE HE MAKES A CHARGE OF NEGLECT:
-IS THE ANIMAL SITTING IN ITS OWN FECES EVEN AFTER THE OWNER COMES HOME AND SEES IT?
-DOES THE ANIMAL HAVE ADEQUATE FOOD AND WATER WHEN OUT OF THE CRATE?
-IS THE ANIMAL A GOOD SIZE(NOT TOO FAT OR SKINNY)?
-IS THE PUPPY IN A PROPER SIZED CRATE? CAN IT STAND UP AND COMFORTABLY TURN AROUND?
-WHAT DOES THE ANIMAL ACT LIKE WHEN OUTSIDE OF THE CRATE?
PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK ITS NOT FAIR TO THE ANIMAL ALOT OF TIMES IT MAY NOT NECESARILY NEGLECT OR ABUSE. ALOT OF STATES HAVE NO REAL SPECIFIC LAWS ABOUT CRATING WHEN THE ANIMAL LOOKS OK. BUT IF YOU STILL NEED TO MAKE A COMPLAIN TO EASE YOUR FEARS.... THE SPCA HAS A INVESTIGATION LINK ON THE WEBSITE, AND I AM SURE THE ASPCA DOES TOO...

Answer 5

I never leave my 7 month old puppy (48 lb) in her crate no more than 4 hours, how big is the crate?? is it big enough for the dog??? is water available for the puppy??? I would think that over 6-7 hours a day would be neglect, is the crate inside and is it to hot for the animal???

Answer 6

Overnight is okay if the dog is inside in a climate controlled environment. They dog can stay for 4 hour intervals for the day and be let out for potty breaks and playtime. It really depends on if it fits the dog and where the crate is located. It should be inside where the dog can be cool and the dog should have activity time and playtime. Ask a kennnel or a dog trainer for specifics. Many people do this including trainers and kennels. This is accepted. For specifics contact a trainer. If the dog is outside in this container it could be a problem. If a dog is in a car in the heat or cold this is a problem. In Israel your laws may be different so check what applies there.

Answer 7

Are you talking DAYS at a time with no food, water, exercise, or cleaining of the crate? Uhhm, yes that is NEGLECT (if not abuse)

However, several hours during the day while the owner is away at work or something is sometimes a necessary evil. As long as puppy is getting exercise, food, water, and socialization at some point during the day... there's not a lot you can do as far as accusing that person of neglecting that animal.

Answer 8

If the dog is sitting in it's own poop and pee pee, I think that is neglectful, however, I don't think that can constitute criminal charges. When I was an Animal Control Officer, it constituted criminal neglect if the Animal had signs of fecal scalding or urine scalding on its fur, of the Animal was showing signs of dehydration or malnourishment (You can pinch some skin and if it does not snap back, that constitutes dehydration, ribs and Bone protrusions will show malnourishment.) If you are concerned about the pup and you notice a pattern of neglect, it is always helpful just to contact your local Animal Control or ASPCA and let them know that this may be a situation that they need to keep an eye on before it gets out of hand. Good Luck, God Bless.

Answer 9

Oh!!!

It's neglect, how long has the puppy been there?

5 1/2 month old! It's already half a year old. Report this, if they aren't looking after that puppy properly then give it to someone else to care for it...

Answer 10

Depends on the size of the crate and if and when it is let out. It needs to go out to potty about every 4 to 6 hours and if it isn't getting that then it is bordering on neglect.

Answer 11

if you had to ask this question, you probably need to report it. if the puppy is in the crate like during work hours to kennel train and is released immediatley upon the owner returnign home, that's one thing. but to leave it there to keep from caring for the animal, it's cruel. I personally think caging an animal is wrong...that's the main reason I dont have anything but kitty cats and they roam my 3000 sq ft home all day and all night, freely