How do you control a dog that keeps getting off his leash? Why doesn't animal control do anything?

Question

I have a neighbor who has a dog that keeps getting off his leash and going into other neighbor's yard. I live on a busy street and today he nearly got killed by walking out in the middle of traffic. The neighbor will not answer the door and I feel the dog is being neglected. I feel bad for the dog; however, other neighbors have made similar complaint to animal control. Today I called Animal control and they claimed they were so backed up (a day behind) and over 6 hours ago, the complaint was made. And still the dog is off the leash, now sleeping in the back yard. He's a wierd dog, sometimes he's nice, but often times he barks and snapps, sometimes threatening people passing by on the sidewalk and the dogs they are walking on their leash. The neighbor will not talk to me about it. She feels it's not my buisness, but I consider it a threat. But still, animal control just won't do anything. I don't even feel safe in my own yard. Any advice other than moving.

Answer 1

Find out what your city's leash laws are by calling City Hall. While you've got the phone book out, find the NON-EMERGENCY number for your police department. If your city does indeed have a leash law that states that dogs cannot run loose (most cities do), call the non-emergency number of the police department. Express your concerns to the dispatcher (e.g. animal control has not dealt with situation, you feel the dog may be a threat to passerbys or small children who do not know better and would approach the dog), ask them if there is an officer on duty that has some free time that would be willing to stop by the neighbors house and talk with her. Also find out if animal control issues citations for leash law violations or if this is something the police department does.. it varies from city to city.

Answer 2

Take the dog and keep it yourself until the neighbor knocks on your door. You have documented complaints (from you and others) and tried to resolve the issue the "right" way. I would take the dog for a couple of days until the owner knocked on my door and I would tell her if the dog is let out again she will never see it again. If she doesn't come to the door then take the dog to an animal shelter (I HIGHLY doubt it was microchipped or tattooed) and tell them you found it as a stray. They will give public notice (usually 2 weeks) so the owner has a chance to claim it before they can release the dog for adoption. They don't actively search for the owner, they will scan for a microchip and look for a tatoo, but that's it. That's why they have the public site, they figure anyone who lost a dog will check there if they care to get their dog back. Hopefully, the dog will be adopted to a better owner and out of your life. If the owner re-claims the dog and lets it out again I would wait a week or two and if it got out again take it right back. Eventually the shelter will see the pattern and not allow the owner to possess the dog and/or charge them for doing so.
I would not suggest hurting the dog in any way, your beef is with the neighbor, the dog is innocent.

Answer 3

Poisoning the dog will only result in you doing jail time and having to pay all the vet fees plus the value of the dog to its current owner. Animal Control probably won't do anything until the dog has attacked someone physically (not just barked at, but bit someone) Even if they come out, they will give the owner a warning unless you can prove that there is definitive and prolific evidence of abuse (ie the dog is nearly dead of starvation or has a bullet wound.) The best thing you can do is buy some pepper spray if you truely feel threatened by the dog.

Answer 4

I have often solved this problem. You can win your lawsuit with a camcorder and small claims court (no lawyers needed).
I will ride my bicycle on the sidewalk with my camcorder going. Often the dog(s) chase me and they have always attempted to mae contact with either my leg or ankle. I jump off my bike and use it as a guard.
When the judge sees the film, he orders the dog to be a priority for the pound to pick up. Then the owner is fined by City Ordinance.
Most of the time, the owners don't show, and that is an automatic win for me. I have often been asked if I want restitution even though the dog did not bite me, I say 'no'. I am just not that greedy or contemptous.

Answer 5

Next time the dog is out catch him and take him back to the owner and say “there are a lot of pricks out there that might call the dog catcher” You could also hang a sign on the dog that says “next time he is going to the pound”

Video taping and actually calling the dog catcher are options open only to homo pantywaists.

Answer 6

Catch the dog and take it to animal control without it's collar and hope it isn't micro chipped. If possible take it to a different county. The farther away the better, less likely that the owner will be able to find the dog on her own.
Antifreeze is sweet and very poisonous. If all else fails.

Answer 7

Patience, Patience, Patience

Answer 8

Here is a good link to see what your local rights are regarding leash laws:

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovusdogleashlaws.htm

Answer 9

Get a harness its much better I had the same problem with my pitbull she wasnt mean or vicous but it sent people running.