neighbors mistreating their dogs?

Question

I live way out in the country, and there are some folks down the road who- I'm sure- mistreat their dogs. They only have one or two free in the yard, but there are several tied to barrels and dog houses in the back yard (all of them so thin I could see their ribs!). Or, I think so- there were before these people put up a fence around their house when they caught me looking. I'm afraid they're breeding fighting dogs, but either way those poor things are being mistreated!

The problem is, we've tried calling the police, but they refuse to do anything (although I'm certain there are laws against the way those animals are treated! They won't even see to a complaint about all the night-long barking- noise that disturbes several people). The Animal Control and Animal Shelters in town can't operate outside the city limits, or so they've told us, so I'm at a complete loss about what to do. I want to help those dogs!

Thanks for all your answers, and your concern! I'm going to see about contacting the ASPCA, and if that doesnt help I'm taking it to the news station. Thanks again!

Answer 1

i would definately NOT take matters into your own hands. if these people ARE using dogs for fighting dogs, then the people could be dangerous to you.

I WOULD definately continue contacting the police and contact your local TV news crew. usually they are GREAT for getting things done especially if it is about fighting dogs!!

keep up the good work, my friend!! don't give up.

Answer 2

Well your left with the same dilemma I have. There is a puppy mill (I believe) just up the street from where I live. I have good reason to believe there are problems with it just like you do so I want to do something. Anyway the police won't do anything and neither will the county. It's illegal activity and I can't advise it as it's trespassing but I'm organizing some of my friends to help me go in at night, photograph the place, and get out before being discovered. That's the plan anyway, I'm still working it out. I have enough camera equipment to set my people up and I'll also have people covering me on the perimeter with weapons (this is in the back country). Like I said, this is the best idea I can come up with since nobody in authority will help. When I have the photos I'll bring them to the ASPCA and if refuse to do anything I'll again have to take action and get the dogs out.

Answer 3

Usually in the Government pages of any phone book, they have an animal section. First try animal control. If these people have too many dogs, they can be fined for it. You also have the benefit of election season on your side. Call your local congressperson, etc. to report it and record the phone call. If they do nothing about it, take the recording to the other side. Call the news, Peta, ASPCA, and Humane Society. If you keep a record of all of the people that you have reported this to, Peta may take legal action on your behalf. They're really good at getting the press involved too.

Answer 4

I know you have a close to a gazillion answers, and I'm sorry that I didn't bother to read through them all, but I also live outside the cit limits of my town. I'm considered to be in in an "unincorporated area" so the county is the one one I have to call for such problems. Try calling the animal control agency for your county , There must be someone who can help. If all else fails, I would suggest contacting to your local television news station. I'm sure someone will be quick to lisen and show up then.

I know what you're going through because I had to deal with a barking dog left outside all night, every night. Good luck.

Answer 5

I live way out in a rural area too and have encountered similar problems. You have two options: 1. Sneak food to the dogs or 2. Outright take the dogs (which *is* stealing) and either foster them and find them homes or keep them yourself.

The only problem is that stealing is illegal. Obviously saving their lives is better than letting them die but if you are caught then you could face legal charges.

One thing I know for certain is that there's no easy answer here. If you know these people and they don't really seem to want the dogs, you could offer to take the dogs off of their hands. But do this with caution and ONLY if you know these people. People that abuse and neglect animals are often abusive people and can be violent. You are good hearted and want to help but keep your own safety in mind!

Answer 6

Animal Control should be able to do something. You're in a hard spot, it sucks to know that animals are being abused and noone will help. If you know FOR SURE that once someone gets into that yard to investigate they will find abuse then you need to lie and make up a story. - You came home and there was a very aggresive dog baring it's teeth at you, it wouldn't let you in your door, you were afraid of being attacked and it's happened before..... something that poses a real danger to humans.
It may be enough to get animal control out there, they are required to go outside of the city limits for anything that is a threat to the public as long as it is in their county.

Answer 7

I would call the Humane Society and ask their advice, there most likely is a local chapter somewhere near you that can help, http://www.hsus.org/ phone number 202-452-1100. I would also ask the police if there is someone in charge of animal control and what they recommend doing about animal abuse, they just shouldn't be saying they can't operate outside limits, that's BS because if they know there could be abuse they need to refer you to someone to help, if you get nowhere with those, I'd call an investigative reporter, ABC news whatever station you have that is associated with them is pretty good about exposing animal abuse on the news, the SPCA might have some ideas too on what you can do.

Answer 8

those dogs are being breed for fighting dogs, so it sounds,
some of them are probably being used for bait dogs, that is where they use malnurished weakened dog to force fight the healthy money making ones. if the police and animal control wont help, call the newspaper to investigate, or the tv news, do it annonymously, so the neighbor doesnt retaliate against you. making it public always helps if nothing else does. and the news people like this kind of stuff. check the internet under animal planet, they have email and info on this stuff. this is a serious and sensless crime, and very croul to the dogs. most bait dogs are mained, and if not killed at the time of the fight, die a slow painful horrible death. dont give up on this.
good luck from an animal lover and rescuer

Answer 9

Each state has their own humane laws. Check with your state animal angencies. If the police or humane officer will not do anything, contact PETA. PETA will take action...and quickly. (I have done this and action was taken with in 10 days)

You can check with locialty, they make have a limit to the number of animals a house hold can have or the local health bureau...they may be your ticket to getting the attention this matter deserves.

You CAN NOT take the animals. That will land you in jail. Also, of the dogs are not being fed or abused, they could harm you...just out of fear.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

It breaks my heart. I would contact the State Police since the property is located outside of the city and jurisdiction of local police. Also, you might want to contact the sheriff's office. I'm not sure but I think they handle the county. Another option is to contact your local humane society - they also operate on a county basis. I find it hard to believe that they are restricted to the city limits although I suppose it's different in each state. Since they say they can't take care of it ask them who does. Someone has to. This situation is appalling (sp?). Good luck.

Answer 11

Call the cops, someone has to do something. The police have to do something about it! They can operate outside of city limits, but here they have to have a cop to be there also! Call the police! Although I've been there before and I've taken a dog that people were mistreating. I still have her today!