Dog being neglected?

Question

My aunt and uncle have a dog and i feel he is being neglected. I can't talk to them about it, as I'm only 14 and they wouldn't like my interfering. I can't call the humane society on them, they would know it was me.I can't bring him into my house as the kennel we do have, is to small for him and that would make my uncle mad. The reasons i feel the dog is being neglected are as follows. When i want out there this morning, it was quite chilly and the dog was curled up into a little ball trying to stay warm, he has no dog house. I brought him some water and he drank almost the whole pan, i know the dog doesn't get much water when he's in the house. The dog is very skinny and has no fat on him. The dogs life isn't in danger, but i still feel he's being neglected.So what i can do to help him?

Once again, i can't call the humane society, they would know it was me and my mom won't let me.

The dog is being feed on a regular basis, he doesn't have worms.

Another part of the reason i can't call the Humane Society is because my aunt lost a child and is having a very hard time dealing with it. She's had the dog since he was a wee pup and we're afraid that taking the dog anyway from her may cause her to commit suicide.

Answer 1

a very wise old quote:
Evil flourishes
When good men do nothing!
think about this

Answer 2

I bet that your aunt and uncle would be very happy to let you take the dog and play with it during which time you could make sure it has food and water. BUT I also bet that if you call the humane society and if that dog is older or even a younger LARGE dog,there is a good chance it will be dead in a week or so. Are you certain that YOU a 14 year old really wants to make such a decision on the life of a dog that does not belong to you? If I ever did that my conscience would bother me forever. because I would know that it was possibly me that lead to the unwarranted death or possible life change for the worse of a dog that had a home. You know,even if the dog is re homed there is NO way of knowing that the new home would be any better, but one thing we do know and that is that the new home may come on the end of a syringe of death.

Answer 3

NO! These dogs are NOT being neglected, PLEASE do not waste you animal control's time just because the do not roam freely. You said yourself they appear healthy and the only issue is they stay in the back yard. Reporting just for that alone will also ruin your relationship with your neighbors. First consider this, do you live in a neighborhood with other pets or multiple families. If the answer is yes, then there is way too much liability to let your pets roam freely and where ever they want. Also, I am sure other people would not want to clean up after them, especially if they own no pets themselves. Then factor in any type of issues between them and other dogs and this creates a severe problem. Second, the fact they seemed to be in back yard (probably fenced in is my guess) is not neglect. If they have room to run and play any animal care person will tell you that is fine. I am also sure if you do get a dog of your own, may not have some many acres of land that is just for the dog. Third, have you considered if the owners are going through any kind of situation or ordeal where walking the pets cannot be top priority? You seem really envious and you should either tell them you are considering getting a husky too and ask to spend time with theirs or just get one of your own. If you become a pet owner and become preoccupied with other things in life but still up keep your animals and just don't exercise them daily, i am sure the last thing you'd want is knock on your door and people investigating if you are this neglectful owner even though they are healthy animals. You also may have less time to be watching these animals. Health is not a look you can fake, especially on an animal, so i implore you do not report you neighbors for things they are not doing.

Answer 4

If you feel like you cannot call the Humane Society, which should be done, then there is something else you can do. Why don't you "offer" to help your aunt and uncle with the dog. Tell them your thinking of getting one and you would like to help take care of theirs to see how you would like it. That way the dog would be fed and watered properly. As far as the dog being out in the cold, you could make it a dog house or buy one from a yard sale or something. It isn't that hard to make a suitable dog house that will provide warmth and shelter for the dog. If your aunt or uncle want to know why you are doing this, tell them its because you want to help. Make it seem like a favor and really you'll be doing the dog the real favor by giving him the things he needs.

Answer 5

You can call the humane society and the police.You do not have to give them your name and address.Just tell them you want to report some people you suspect are neglecting this dog and think someone should check into it.Tell them you're a neighbor or you drive by the place and see the dog all the time and let them deal with it.
If someone in your family mentions that your aunt and uncle had a visit from the authorities you just act normal and go on about your buisness.If your mom confronts you on the matter just say "It's not my fault there's someone else in the world who thinks the dog is being mistreated too and I'm glad they got turned in."
Not exactly a lie and not an admission either.

Answer 6

This sounds like a very hard situation if you feel you can't talk to your Uncle about the dog or call the Humane Society. All pets need proper shelter and it is the law that they have a dog house or other type of proper shelter. If the dog is very skinny he either is not getting feed enough or he could have worms or some other medical problem. The dog doesn't sound like he is getting proper care and you said you feel he is being neglected, well that being said is danger for a dog. If you can't talk to your Uncle try to find someone who can speak to him about this situation. If you call the Humane Society your Uncle may think a neighbor called. I truly hope the doggie gets the help he / she needs and deserves. Please help this dog, someone needs too! Good Luck!

Answer 7

You're right that you shouldn't ignore the situation. I should say that I'm proud to see a teenager with a conscience. Unfortunatly we don't see that as often as we should. I understand your conflict. I agree that calling the Humane Society could cause more harm that good. For right now, I would take matters into my own hands and try to provide food, water and shelter myself. If your aunt and uncle are greiving the loss of their child, they may be very defensive at this time. But, you can lead by example, and when they can look past their grief, they will see a very mature nephew and they will listen more to you then. Have patience and do what is right for the dog. And remember that actions speak louder than words. They will learn more from watching how you care for their dog when they are emotionally unable to then from you calling authorities on them. That will only make them defensive and unwilling to improve the situation. I hope that things work out.

Answer 8

If you feel that you can't communicate with your aunt and uncle or call the Humane Society, or even get your mom to help since she's stopping you from calling, you're probably the only person who can be responsible and care for that poor dog's health and safety.

Take charge. Get in touch with someone close to you who cares about animals. (An adult would be good. Adults tend to listen to others at their age more than kids. - Stupid, but it's quite true. It's in most of our nature - like you would want to listen to someone older as you may think they have more experiences.) If it's someone your uncle and aunt would listen to, it would be even better.

Approach your aunt and uncle in a friendly way. Don't make it seem like you know better than them and they should listen even if this is true. (Which is most likely, hearing about your aunt and uncle lol.) Try to build a stronger bond, but with that, you have to be patient. Then slowly hint out what you've observed about their dog - don't say it straight away. People don't like being told about the wrongs they've done. Most, at least.

If you really feel for the dog and truly think his life may be in danger - then you're probably right, but investigate properly, and then do it again. It may just be how some dogs look. Like dobermans are very slim looking, while rottweilers look much more like muscles.

If you've thought about it thoroughly and there's nothing else you could do, I recommend calling the humane society, although you may know that your mom, aunt and uncle may turn against you. Would you prefer to save a dog's life or being thought of negatively? Their anger will go sooner or later, I'm sure of it. Besides, I think they'd be even happier and look up to you if the dog actually had a problem, and get amazed at you for doing such a brave move although they've been strict and fearful.

P.S Keep caring about the dog - feed him/her some food whenever you can and allow him/her to drink some water. Don't give up! You may be the dog's only hope! I'm betting on you. ;) Try your best - at least then you'd know that you've put effort into this. You're a great person, don't change - don't ever change! ;) Go with your instincts. Don't be afraid to try new things, it's fear and being in one place that holds you back. Regret is way worse than fear.

P.SS It seems like your aunt and uncle are very close minded. Slowly open up their minds - yes, you know how, just find the best solution that you can. Ponder about what they like and don't and win their trust. That way it would be much easier to care for the dog. :)

Answer 9

In my opinion just the fact that there is not fresh water available all of the time indicates neglect, regardless of the weather, water is vital for dogs (all pets). You did not mention what type of dog it is, some dogs are naturally skinny looking, do any of its bones stick out excessively?
Dogs have ways of keeping warm, keeping in mind they do have fur coats, but yes a blanket or dog house would be better the dog.
If you cannot report the matter at least try and put out fresh water daily for the dog and ask your aunt if you can give him a blanket or make him a dog house, if you handle this in the correct way it will be seen as caring for animals, rather than meddling.

Answer 10

You might ask them if they would be interested in getting rid of it since they are going through such a bad time. Make it sound like it will benefit them more then the dog. Then start looking for a home for it. You can email me and even though I live in a different state I am sure I can help you because I work for a pet and rescue. Iftehy insist on keeping him just keep dfoing what you are doing. Keep giving him water, food and a lot of love. You might see if they willl let you put an old blanet in with him and maybe a stuffed animal. This little guy is very lucky to have you, without you he probaly has no idea what love is. I am very Proud of you. I wish more teens in this world has the heart you do. Take Care

Answer 11

You need to talk to your Uncle. Regardless of whether he doesn't like you to interfere you need to be able to express your concerns. I don't know your family dynamic but if your uncle won't listen you need to save the dog's life.

Your uncle may be mad but you've save a life. If you have to call the humane society then you have to do what you have to do.

Maybe you can speak with you Uncle and offer your help, take on some of the responsibility in caring for the dog and for training. You and your uncle can pick out or build a dog house together.

Approach this in a helpful giving way not a way that it seems like you're telling your Uncle what to do.

Good Luck