So a few houses from where I live a lady owns this little dog. A few time since she has moved I hae found the dog wondering around in various conditions. I have even been to the point where I had to cut her hair (she is a long haired dog) because there was so much fecies in it. Tonight my mom and neighbor found her tied up in the backyard, Her legs were tied so tight together they are all swollen and her collar was so tight she has marks in her neck. I already know this is animal abuse, but my question is I have her at my house we cut the rope off of her and tomarrow I plan to take her to a vet or P.A.W.S. If I keep her in my house is there anyway I can be charged with anything criminal??? I can't find laws about this anywhere!! I don't really care if I can I am taking the dog to a vet either way, i was just wondering. Any answers would be appreciated. Thank you and sorry that was so long.
2006-08-25 18:45:43 · 29 answers · asked by an_imperfect_perfectionist0_o 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
WOW! i didn't expect people to respond to this right away. (yay yahoo answers) I called P.A.W.S, a pet shelter, they aren't open to I'm waking up extra early and taking her down there. I searched for something with the SPCA but there is nothing in my state. >.< I wish i could keep her, but I don't think I have the time for a dog right now and I want her to get the best treatment and a family with the time and love she needs. I live in a pretty sketchy neighborhood so I don't think the lady who had her will even think of me. I don't even think she knows I exist.(one of hte many joys of living in the city.) So, Thank you sooooo much everyone who answered this.
2006-08-25 20:04:26 · update #1
You need to report this to the animal shelter. That women will be charged with animal abuse. I think that if you don't she could file charges on you for puppynapping. I hate to say this, but you might want to let the dog go home and wait until the next time she does this and call the police. That way she is caught in the act. But I would hate for the next time to be the last thing that puppy goes through. (I hope you know what I mean, because I don't like to think about what might happen). Or maybe you should call the police right now and ask them. It doesnt hurt to call them.
2006-08-25 18:51:34 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, report the animal abuse to the local animal shelter or even police. The lady shouldn't have a dog if she wont properly care for one! I don't think that YOU would be charged with any thing criminal if you took the dog. I would just have a few witnesses to say that it wasn't your dog in the first place but a neighbors. I think they will understand. If you are still uncertain, tell the vet that you will take her too and explain the situration, he/she will be of further help. As for you apoligizing for having a long details.........I dont mind cause it certainly was worth it! You care for animals don't you and that is reason enough. I wish i was of further help to you and good luck!
2006-08-25 19:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by Cub 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, thanks for caring about the dog. You are doing the rigth thing by taking her to a vet, and you should do it asap. If you took the dog off the property it is probably against the law, but the animal is in need of medical attention. Maybe you should call authorities now, rather than wait til tomorrow. That way the animal is out of your care and you could just say you were rescuing it. We rescue cats all the time in the urban neighborhood where I teach. It is obvious that they are starving an no one cares. Chances are, if this dog is being neglected and abused, maybe no one will notice that she is gone and you can get her some help in the meantime. Good luck. Please can you let us know the outcome?
2006-08-25 18:56:12 · answer #3 · answered by Margarita 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what state you live in but recently I witnessed a dog being abused and called animal control. The ACO told ME that it was My legal obligation to report abuse/neglect of an animal and I could be charged if I witnessed it and didn't do anything about it. I was also told I had legal rights to take the dog if abuse/neglect was witnessed. So I did! I can't say without bias what you should do but I know I would take this baby and get her any help I could. Dogs are considered personal property and if this woman cares to challenge you on ownership of the dog, she must prove it's hers and then explain why the dog is in such a horrific condition. Chances are she is happy to be rid of her. Kudos to you and Hugs to you for doing the right thing!!!!!!!!!
2006-08-25 19:33:41 · answer #4 · answered by dusty_roade 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, while you are trying to help the dog out, and you are being a good Samaritan, there are some that may not see it that way. You could get charged with kidnapping or theft or both. However, if you alert the local animal authority's as well as your local police, and let them know what is going on before she does, more than likely you will be in the clear. However, it also depends on State and County laws, as well as City Ordinances.
I Hope this is helpful to you!
2006-08-25 19:27:43 · answer #5 · answered by aht12086 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should'nt wait.
Call the police immediately.They'll contact P.A.W.S. and someone will come out to collect the dog regardless of what day it is or the time because this is an emergency.Then an officer goes to the house and charges the lady with abuse.If you keep the dog and the owner finds out you have it she could charge you with theft of an animal.In this case it does'nt sound as tho you have that worry.But for future reference keep this in mind.
2006-08-26 09:42:10 · answer #6 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done that myself when my neighbors litle dog was tied outside in below 10 in cold winter , since I was comming home from work at 2 am and I was walking my own litle dog they look so similar , I went in open the gate and took the dog , was many times left outside freezing starving etc. I took it to the vet and the owner was charged with Animal cruelty something like that and the vet adopted the dog , now I can see it when I take mine in for nail clipping or hair cuts :)
2006-08-25 20:24:24 · answer #7 · answered by Voi'la 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well done for taking the action you did - what a horrible way to treat an animal. It is true that the woman being 'caught in the act' would have led to her probably being prosecuted, but it would have been very very hard for you to walk away and leave the poor dog tied up. I think as soon as a pet is seen wandering around, in an abvious state of neglect, then it's important to contact the authorities immediately, to help the animal as soon as possible.
2006-08-29 03:04:29 · answer #8 · answered by shona 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should report this to the SPCA or other authorities. Your intentions are honorable, but you are not protected under law by taking the animal. Let the proper authorities do it.
Dogs are considered personal property under the law. If you take it even for good reasons, sadly it can be considered theft if the owner wants to press charges.
again let the proper authorities deal with it.
2006-08-25 18:57:17 · answer #9 · answered by Hathor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take some pictures of this poor dog. Get your mother and anyone else who has witnessed this to make a statement and maybe have it notarized. Call your local police and tell them that you have the dog, that way they will know you did not steal it.. Ask them to please come out and witness it for themselves. After you take this precious pet to the Vet, ask him to make a statement about the condition of this poor thing. I do not think you will have any problems! Thank your for being so sweet. Honey, you did the right thing, you will not get in trouble for it. God will bless you for it.
2006-08-25 19:05:39 · answer #10 · answered by tjb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋