If your neighbor's dog is thirsty would you do something about it?

Question

Ladies & Gentleman,

If your neigbor's child was in distress would you trespass to give aid?

If your neighbor's home was alight would you trespass to put the flame out?

If you neighbor's dog didn't have drinking water to would you trespass to provide it?

Is the dog's plight any different than the child or the property? I admit I have already trespassed to help the dog - what happens next?

What would you do for the dog?

Best wishes,

pup

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Someone has gone through all posts and given thumbs-down. Whoever you are, what you've done is very unappreciated. cj.
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Answer 1

It is the law that a dog left in the yard must have shelter and water. Call animal contro if they do not

Answer 2

You don't know why the dog doesn't have any drinking water. There might be a physical reason why he shouldn't be drinking water at that specific time.

If the dog was in obvious and immediate distress, as the child and home in cases you mention above are, then I would intervene. Such as its leash was tightening around its neck, or an animal was attacking it. But it being without water doesn't fit that definition. People and animals can live for hours on end without water, and as I mentioned, there might be good reason why there is no water in its dish.

I would find out the situation before I did anything to resolve it further.

Edit: If you were in the hospital visiting and someone in a hospital bed asked you to get them something to eat because they hadn't eaten or drank anything all day, would you do it? I hope not. You have no idea why they haven't been given any food or liquids. There are all sorts of medical reasons why they haven't been, and by giving them something you could make their condition worse or even kill them. The situation is the same for the dog. If it isn't in any immediate distress, then you take care of the situation in a different way. There is no need in this case to error on the side of ignorance.

Answer 3

No question I would give the dog water.
I would also try to talk to the owner about the problem and if that didn't go well I would report them (though here it does no good).
I had this issue a few years ago with a neighbor, turned out she had a mental disorder and could barely care for herself (she recieved care visits etc) after I found this out, a few of us neighbors got together and always made sure the dog had food, water and visited the vet as needed. When the owner passed away one of the neighbors adopted Radar, the dog. Radar provided this woman with a great deal of companionship and emotional support but she needed help to care for him. So you never really know the situation unless you ask and sometimes people either just don't know better or need help. Unfortunately there are also alot of callous individuals out there who don't really care for the animals they keep. Good luck

Answer 4

If I was on good terms with the neighbor than I'd definately just go and help the dog. If it was a problem neighbor that I thought might get mad if I trespassed than I'd call and report that their dog is being neglected and not get personally involved. If it was a new neighbor that I didn't know well then I'd come post on Y! Answers for advice.

Answer 5

The dog's plight in this instance is somewhat different than an emergency with the child or home. A thirsty dog is not an emergency, but definitely a concern.
After giving the dog water once, I would as politely as possible, tell my neighbor that the dog seems to be getting very thirsty. If you are very concerned for the dog's health, you have to confront the neighbor and if they do not respond, contact the ASPCA so they can investigate.

Answer 6

I think you should talk to your neighbor and tell them how there dog is always needing water. I mean I know I would trespass just so I could provide the dog with some water, I mean it is not really that different from a child or property and I would not want to see a dog die.

Answer 7

I witnessed my neighbor's dog in distress once. His leash was coiled around a pole and he was standing there without shade- in the hot, hot sun. He was crying forever. I then decided to call the police, because it's what we have to do in dog matters where I live. The officer proceded to do what was necessary, which was trespassing to help the dog out of his misery. I later told my neighbor that I didn't know what else to do.... I couldn't stand the whining... and he obviously was feeling miserable.

Answer 8

There is nothing i wouldnt do to help a distressed dog including steal it and rehome it if necessary. Which i have done before. My neighbours staffy pup was very skinny, no food, no water. And when i jumped the fence i discovered the remains of their previous dog so therefore the pup was coming with me and i stashed it at a friends until i could find a proper owner. So there is absolutely nothing i wouldnt do to help a distressed animal.

Answer 9

Water the dog, and then talk to the neighbor about it. They may want to give you the dog...then what will you do??..lol
Yes, water the dog, no matter what.

actually, it is not trespassing unless you cross the property line to do mischief. Or open a locked gate..

Answer 10

I would not even think twice about trespassing to help an animal or child in distress. I have done so previously.
And whats more if I considered the person at fault to be deliberately neglectful I would not hesitate to report them to an appropriate authority.

Answer 11

You should definitely go into their yard and give the dog water. Then, you should talk to the owners and explain what the dog needs outside - fresh water and shelter. If they aren't friendly about it, tell them that's the basic requirements for a dog outside and that it's also the law.

If they don't treat the dog any better, call your local ASPCA or any other dog shelter and ask them who you should call. The dog needs help. So do the owners!

To everyone: don't be afraid to suggest something to people when you see something wrong. Just be nice and polite about it.