Is this considered animal abuse?

Question

My neighbors keep their dog outside in the back yard all year long, no matter how hot or freezing the weather is. He is on a chain and the only refuge he has from the cold or rain is a small wooden dog house. He is never being taken inside the home and he barks alot. I'm not sure what breed he is, his size is about the same as of a grown German Shepherd, but his fur is orange and kind of long. I feel bad for that dog, each time I hear it barking I look out my window and I see it's standing in the back yard of my neighbors' house, in front of their door, facing it, as though it wasnts to be let in. They seem to keep him there as a guard dog, but don't even guard dogs need to be let in the house every now and then, is it humane to keep a dog outside all the time? Is this considered animal abuse? If it is, what can I do about it?

Also, this dog is never taken off the metal chain/leash, let alone taken for a walk. He is always in the small back yard the size of no more than 7 by 7 feet.

Answer 1

If he has food and water and shelter, then legally no one can do anything about it. it is sad though. If you notice that he doesnt have food or water then call animal control, and they will take the dog away, and try to place him with a better home.

Answer 2

First, check on the food and water thing. Second, how long is his leash? Is it only 5 feet long, or more like 20 feet? Third, can he fit in his dog house comfortably? Fourth, does he have a collar on, or just the chain around his neck, is it too tight?

I know what you're going through! I have 2 indoor dogs. They go out long enough for a bathroom break, then they usually ask to come back in. I think the longest they were outside (aside from camping with the family) was 2 hours, and that was by their choice.

My ex neighbor, on the other hand, left her 3 dogs outside for most of the day, regardless of the weather, and most times she wouldn't even be home. One time, her 9 month old puppy was outside by herself, in the pouring rain, for 4 hours. She was whining, crying and shivering. I called animal control and was told since she had access to shelter (dog house) there wasn't anything they could do, unless she started barking- then I could call in a noise complaint.

On the other hand, there are dog breeds that are meant to be kept outside (Great Pyranees), but only if they are suposed to be work dogs.

Until agencies come to understand that this is a form of abuse, there's not a whole lot us bleeding hearts can legally do.

Answer 3

Probably some kind of shepherd mix your looking at out there. But as long as he has adequate shelter (this means a roof over its head, no holes in the dog house), fresh food (no rotting food or ants in it) and fresh water (no mold or algae growing in it) which he can get to, then no I an afraid it isn't abuse. But if it is freezing then I would at least put it in a garage or something, ya' know? People are such idiots these days... I mean burgulars don't want your grass in your yard, they want whats inside your house. I keep both of my dogs inside, and eventually will be training them in schultzhund, so I can leave them out when I leave the house. I don't consider dogs formal guard dogs if they are just left outside. The dog may not even attack a burgualr, sure he may bark a lot, but burgulars usaully come armed, and could hurt the dog. I'll bet people who think their dog will "guard their property" just by leaving them outside never thought of that! Now if the dog appears to be very skinny then I would call you local humane society and report him. I would call them anyway since dogs tied up like that for a long time can grow and the chain will become imbedded into the neck requiring major surgery to get it out and heal up the open and infected wound on the neck. The Humane Society can come out and do an investigation and maybe answer some of your questions. Also check the page below as some states now have laws against leaving dogs tied up. I don't know how old it is, but it may help. You are going to be that dogs voice since he cannot speak for himself. Good Luck with your situation! :)

Answer 4

ya it is sad, thay need to give the dog to a better home since they odviously don't have time for it! I would keep calling the authorites about its constant barking and then maybe they, the cops or the owners, will get tired of the problem and do something, I do know they only have so many times they can get complaints before something has to be done. As far as the chain on it goes they will take a dog that has been chained so long and too tightly, if the the hair around it's neck is gone, that's abuse, they just took away a dog in this town for that same thing.

Answer 5

Definitely it is not the best for a dog. But unfortunately many people do that. well, at least they should untie him for a while to play a little in the yard or take him for a walk every now and then. What I would do if I were you, is tell them these things politely. Even offer to take the dog for a walk from time to time. If there is no positive respons from them, you can threaten(politely) to call the authorities and animal control. But I wouldn't do anything that would lead to the dog being taken away, unless I knew he would be going to a loving family (maybe you should actually find such a family, willing to take him, before asking a shelter to take the dog), because you might end up giving the dog to a shelter that will kill it due to lack of space! So it's better to live in prison than get the death penalty! And remember that dogs don't have our criteria of living conditions, the outdoors issue is OK to him, the always chained is the problem.

Answer 6

I believe that all dogs should be kept indoors. What is the point in having a dog if it is going to be kept outside. I breed golden's and will not sell to anyone that wants an outdoor dog. I am not sure if there is anything you can do. I do think I would call the local animal shelter and see what they believe is abuse. If the animal looks like it is malnutriioned that they will investigate that. I also think in some places if the temp is below a certain temp and they do not take steps to keep the animal warmer then that is also abuse. Good luck and I am glad to see someone is looking out for that poor dog.

Answer 7

I remember years ago a friend's neighbor had their dog tied outside, and I went over to pet the dog, and the chain around his neck had grown into his neck. I told my friend, and we called the animal control. The dog was taken from them and they were charged with animal cruelty. Even if this isn't the case with your neighbor's dog, it is very cruel to tie a dog up and leave him. Dogs need love and interaction. Why have a dog in the first place if your just going to chain him in the back yard and forget about him? Call the authorities, animal control. Maybe they can take him and give him a good, loving home. Bless you for caring! =)

Answer 8

I would call your local Animal Control Office and get some authorities out there to check out the dogs condition.

Some questions I immediately thought of...
1. Is the dog being fed regularly
2. Is there clean water being supplied for the dog
3. Is the shelter sufficient and clean for the dogs size.

Some dogs absolutely LOVE being outside all the time. It would just be a matter for the Animal Authorities in your State to decide whether or not it is abuse.

I feel for you though and as an animal lover myself that would bother me as well. I would make the call and have them decide and either way that would possibly ease my mind.

I hope this helps. :)

Answer 9

I would report it to the humane society or call a vet and ask
when you can report it in your area. It is cruel to the dog. They
have feelings and needs and they get cold just like we do.
Some dogs do grow a thicker coat in the winter time, but they
still get pretty cold. For the dog to be chained up all the time,
is pretty cruel. How much food and water is the dog getting.

If I were you I would trow some food over to him to make sure
he is getting something to eat. Don't let anyone see you
though. Report it and you won't have to give your name.

Answer 10

Depends on where you live as to what the rules are. Most communities don't impose penalties for chaining a dog. The question you have to ask is, if they're just going to chain the dog, WHY HAVE IT??? This is not a life for a dog, it's simply existing. Maybe you can persuade them that this is not a life for a social animal.

Answer 11

Unfortunately, I don't think there's much you can do about it. If you're concerned about the dog being cold in the winter, buy a bale of straw for the dog...they cost less than $2 and bring a TON of warmth. Maybe your neighbors will get the hint and continue doing the same. In any event, you'll ease your own conscience.