concerned about neighbors dogs?

Question

I don't know if I am just being a worrying person or if this should not really be allowed. I live next door to some neighbours who have two Staffordshire Terriers they are friendly and I have no problem with them. BUT they are kept outside for very long periods of time. Sunday night watching TV went outside about 7pm and they were out there. I was just about to go to bed about 12am and they were still out there, all throughout this time I checked to see if they had gone in or anyone had been out, I left my back door open so I could hear them but no-one had to my knowledge.
I know that they are left out there with a bowl of food and I think some water. But I still just don't think that dogs should be left outside all that time. They scrap at my fence when they see me and want so much attention it's like they are being taken care of but not really.
I don't know whether to talk to RSPCA about it and see if they are concerned or if I should just leave it?

any thoughts would be great!!

Thanks for answers, I will leave it for now, but if I see abuse I will defiantly report them.
I still don't think dogs should be left outside for that long without any fun in their lives..

Answer 1

Staffys are very tough dogs. As long as they have some shade from the hot sun, some water, and some place to get away from the rain, snow, and cold wind... then they will do just fine.

You are right that it is not the best environment, but it won't damage the dogs physically. If they are friendly, then they are probably treated OK, but some people think "It is just a dog" and dogs belong outside.

I recommend that you just leave it, unless you see physical abuse. I know people like this. They love their dogs, but they love them outside.

Answer 2

This problem is all too common. People buy a pet because they impulsively feel like they want one, but once they arrive home they simply provide shelter, food and water without providing the most necessary element of a human/dog relationship...love. The sad part is that people sometimes actually do this on purpose to amplify the dogs aggression thus theoretically improving the dogs effectiveness as a guard dog. I would report them to your local SPCA but it's difficult to do anything unless there are obvious signs of abuse/neglect. Maybe trying having a serious talk with them. Making them aware of the situation may actually "embarrass them into changing their ways.

Answer 3

Some people prefer dog's to stay outside mostly. If the weather there isn't too cold or too hot, they are okay. But if they do this in extreme weather, it is not healthy for the dog. Right now, my dog actually prefers to stay outside and sleep outside (heading into the Fall season here). He comes in maybe once or twice and plays for a bit, but then scratches at the door and wants back out and wants to stay out.

Answer 4

My dogs are outside in my back yard a lot, so are my neighbours dogs. I don't put food out with them as I bring them in when its time for them to eat and I don't leave food for them all day long. They eat twice a day plus treats (and shamefully, table scraps). My husky mix often stays outside all night depending on the temperature. When its warm I bring him in, where as if you live in a warm climate, it could be cooler at night outside and the dogs might be more comfortable there than in the hot house. My husky mix stays where ever it is cooler.

My shih-tzu stays outside from 7:30 am - noon each day (with the bigger one). Trust me he is definately NOT starved for attention, but he still scratches at the fence when people go by because he wants to be friends with everyone and think everyone should pet him.

I leave water out for my dogs, but they often knock it over, and its also not visable from outside my fence.

I think you might be jumping the gun a little, but its better that than the dogs have no one concerned.

If I didn't bring my big guy in to eat and if he didn't come in with the little one sometimes, I might never get him in the house. Some dogs are just happier outside. MANY breeds are were bred to work, and work meant outside and this is certainly true of terriers.

If you know that these dogs are being left outside when no one is home, call someone about it. If they are being left out and not being let in when they ask to be let in, talk to your neighbour about it. If they are not being walked and exercised (yard time doesn't count), then talk to your neighbour about it. Other than that, I don't think anything wrong that your neighbour is doing based on what you're saying here.

Answer 5

In my county that is allowed if the dog has shelter and water. It is worse where I live, lots of people just chain up their dog and never pay attention to it. It sounds like your neighbors dogs at least are not chained up and it sounds like they have food and water but no human interaction. I don't think that qualifies as neglect, although it does make you wonder why they have pets.

Answer 6

well, as far as leaving dogs outside all the time really isn't a big deal, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE FOOD AND WATER.
i think it would be better if you didn't say anything FOR NOW,
just keep watching what goes on over there for a few days, AND THEN, if you think there is a reason to be concerned, THEN CALL SOMEONE ASAP. good luck

Answer 7

I don't agree with leaving dogs out all day, but if water and shelter is available they are OK. The RSPCA would possibly euthanize them because of their breed. I would leave it.

Answer 8

Can you talk to the owners themselves? Dogs can't be part of the family 'pack' if they spend less than 4 hours a day indoors.

Answer 9

Try talking to the owners first. If that doesn't work, call Animal Control in your area. This could be a form of abuse.

Answer 10

If they have food and water, and the yard is clean, and they are fenced in, they are being taken care of.