Is this animal cruelty?

Question

I know this family who has a puppy and his leg is weird. His left one is uneven from his right one, so he limps and stuff. They havent taken him to a vet since they got him (1 yr ago). He needs to go to a vet and get his leg fixed and they wont take him. I am so worried for him, the poor thing cant even walk good, he limps. Im not sure if it is animal cruelty, but if it is I wanna report it. Thanks

I also know for a fact that he hasn't been to a vet. They are a well known family friend. I know there kids and always say when did the dog go to the vet? and they say they dont take him or he hasn't went yet.

Answer 1

it is animal cruelty if they haven't taken him to the vet to get it checked out and fixed. that's animal neglect. you should report them (anonymously)

Answer 2

Well it might just be a simple birth defect. And as we all know, most 4 legged animals fair quite well even with only three legs. What disturbs me is that you have not mentioned any attempt to discuss this with the dog's owners before introducing animal authorities. You could save yourselves all a lot of headaches if you just ask them about it.
But if it's not that sort of situation where you can just be bold and upfront, look at the dog. Is it shaking or trembling? (a sign of pain) Does it yelp while simply trying to walk around?
Dogs are born with defects all the time and they always fair far better than humans would with the same defects. Be absolutely sure the dog is in pain or suffering somehow before bringing in the authorities. First of all, all you have to know is if the dog is yelping or trembling to know if it is suffering. Secondly, every person of animal authority you bring in on this case is taking that person away from perhaps saving a poor pit bull from being trained to fight to the death. or worse. Just do a little sleuthing. Call a local vet if you're unsure how to proceed.

Answer 3

No it's not, the dog has a birth defect choosing not to take a dog to a vet to get surgery for a limp is not animal cruelty. Surgery can be dangerous and will incapacitate the dog for a while, a vet might even recommend against having the leg fixed, opting to leave well enough alone.

Answer 4

If you know the vet they took the dog to this would be an excellent question for them. They know the case and they would be able to define the extent of this matter.

You can also call you local animal shelter. You wouldn't necessarily have to file a report. I'm sure they would be happy to just talk to you clear up any confusion and let you know what they define as animal cruelty and what the law says about it.

Its nice to see so many people who care about our 4 legged friends.

Answer 5

it may or may not be. There might be something genetically wrong with the dog. But you know what - if they haven't taken him to the vet, the dog isn't up to date on the vaccinations. Since you aren't sure and it seems like the dog is struggling to walk and they have no interest in taking the dog to the vet - then I would call and report them. If it's not - then they will be made aware that their dog isn't vaccinated and the authorities will have it on record.

Make the call. If you are concerned about privacy, let the person on the phone know.

Answer 6

You think it is cruelty to not take a dog to the Vet because of a limp??? You have no idea why he is limping, as long as he is being fed and given the basics, it is none of your business. Maybe they can't afford to spend thousands so that their dog doesn't limp.

Is it better for the dog to be taken by animal control and put to sleep?

Answer 7

I'm no expert, but I work with a dog rescue. If you suspect an abuse case, you can and should report it to the local ASPCA. I just did a 'search' using GoodSearch.com and used the following "how to report animal abuse" it came up with 56,232 listings. Plug in your state in that statement at the end and you should get a narrower listing. Hope that helps. FYI - Some animals are born with deformed limbs, but if the dog isn't being vetted at least once a year, that is abuse in my book.

Answer 8

Are you sure they havent taken him to a vet??? Go over and talk to them. If he is showing signs of neglect than report it, but make sure you have your facts before you report it. Video tape the dog or take pics. I had a severely neglected dog next to my house and I reported it and the pound took the dog but the owners ended up getting it back. Good luck and hopefully the dog is ok.

Answer 9

no, not animal cruelty; but hardley being the best parent either. I had a dog that was shot and it broke his leg. I took the dog to the vet and had him patched up the best I could afford, but I wasnt gonna pay $15,000 for orthopedic surgery. He walked with a limp the rest his life, but still live a full and happy life. Odds are the limp bothers you more than the dog.

Answer 10

just file a report because the spca has to investigate ANY claims no matter what and they will investigate and find out what the deal is and if they suspect animal cruelty the dog will be taken and cared for and placed into a good home and no one will know who called. the animal cant call for itself its up to us as humans to makes sure that every animal gets the help they deserve. however if the investigators don't take the animal than it is obvious there is nothing going on that shouldnt be and then you will have a clear concience.

Answer 11

How do you know it hasn't been to the vet before?

Is this an injury they gave to the dog? Is it a birth defect? Did the dog do it to themself?

If you truly suspect, just file a report. If they didn't do anything wrong, that will come out.