So unfortunately I have some redneck-like neighbors. They acquired a dog a few months ago (some type of Hound/German Shepard mix) who they leave outside constantly. Even though they purchased a sizable home for it, I still hate to see it left out 24/7, especially late at night as it croons and cries for attention.

Anyways you all know we are in the midst of a heat-wave and as you would guess, they believe it is best to leave the dog outside. The individuals also are gone for a majority of the day, rarely coming home before 7pm or so.

Now I can't tell if it has enough water, so I just ran out back and dropped a small bowl of ice and water in hopes that it will refresh itself.

So, should I call Animal Control or just mind my own business? I've had a few interactions with the neighbors here and there, and for the most part they seem decent (it's a group of guys).

I would call animal control. They won't share your information with the neighbor, so you don't need to worry about retaliation or anything. This is a clear cut case of neglect in this heat, and a dog with that kind of coat will surely overheat and die if he's not brought inside as soon as possible.

Its refreshing to hear about someone on here doing something kind.

If I were you, I would continue covertly giving the dog water, and carefully bring up the issue the next time you see your neighbor. "What kind of dog is that? AH, a winter dog. It must hate this heat wave, right? I here they get violent in 105 degree weather."

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"The horse jumped over the fucking fence." - Kurt Vonnegut

I would call for sure! poor little thing might be dying with this heat. Thank you for even taking the time to give it water and ice. Please call ASAP!

On second thought, you could let the dog out of the yard, bring it to your house to cool it down and call the owners saying you found him and he was severely dehydrated.

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"The horse jumped over the fucking fence." - Kurt Vonnegut

While I'm all for anonymity I don't think it will go very far. I'm situated on a corner lot and essentially am the only neighbor they have, especially who has access to the lot where the dog resides. I also gave it a large bone earlier this morning before heading out, so I suspect they will know who called Animal Control.

ChuckSteake Wrote:
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> While I'm all for anonymity I don't think it will
> go very far. I'm situated on a corner lot and
> essentially am the only neighbor they have,
> especially who has access to the lot where the dog
> resides. I also gave it a large bone earlier this
> morning before heading out, so I suspect they will
> know who called Animal Control.

Would you be able to take the dog to your house like one of the posters suggested?

ChuckSteake Wrote:
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> So, should I call Animal Control or just mind my
> own business?

Absolutely call.

Unfortunately not, the fence is quite high that separates our properties and I believe the only way to enter their backyard is through the house or garage. Besides wouldn't that be considered trespassing?

I'm sorta tempted to go over and knock just to see if anyone is there first, but like I said, rarely do I see them come home before 7pm

please call, they need to know that this is not how you take care of a pet.

Megan Wrote:
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> please call, they need to know that this is not
> how you take care of a pet.


+1

You could go up to the neighbors tonight and say "hey, I noticed your dog outside today. It may be none of my business, but I knew a guy who's dog died in heat like this and I'd hate for it to happend to your dog. Just thought I'd mention it.".

Of course, if you call animal control tomorrow they'll know who did it.

__________________________________
That's not a ladybug, that's a cannapiller.

Heat is bad for dogs! Call for help now!

Call. People like this don't learn until they are forced to.

OP: I think you're doing the right thing. Take care of the dog today and then have a conversation with the owners tonight.

If you EVER see the dog left out in the yard in heat like this after today, call animal control. If the owners have a problem with you doing so after having had a conversation with you, then fuck 'em.

I believe that we as a society should try to solve our problems without having to call the cops or other authorities to do it for us all the time. Chances are the owners don't realize the magnitude of what they are doing.

Give the owners a chance to learn to do the right thing. If they choose not to, then they should get what they deserve.

Ito Wrote:
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> OP: I think you're doing the right thing. Take
> care of the dog today and then have a conversation
> with the owners tonight.
>
> If you EVER see the dog left out in the yard in
> heat like this after today, call animal control.
> If the owners have a problem with you doing so
> after having had a conversation with you, then
> fuck 'em.
>
> I believe that we as a society should try to solve
> our problems without having to call the cops or
> other authorities to do it for us all the time.
> Chances are the owners don't realize the magnitude
> of what they are doing.
>
> Give the owners a chance to learn to do the right
> thing. If they choose not to, then they should get
> what they deserve.

while I somewhat agree with you, how can the owners not realize the magnitue of their actions where it has been all over the news for the last few days that we are under a heat wave? it is called common sense! I would call right away.

Don't forget though, the animal does have shelter, so Animal Control may not be able to do much. You would be better off letting the dog loose and then reporting it wandering the neighborhood.

Here's my reasoning:

OP seems to have situation under control for today.

OP lives next to these fucktards, but the neighborly thing to do is to try to get along if you can.

Finally, as per my last post, let's try to not get the authorities involved in every last problem of our lives. More calls to cops, animal control, etc. = more drain on public resources, higher taxes and paperwork.

The ghetto response is to dial 911, I'm sure we're all not advocating that in the case of an overheated dog are we?

Take the dog and give it to a no kill shelter, or one specializing in shepards. Problem solved for everyone.

Do not call animal control first. That would be like calling in a noise complaint to the police before giving the party host a warning that the sound is bothering you...complete overreaction and waste of time. Simply grow a backbone and knock on your neighbor's door when they are home and tell them that you don't think the dog should be left outside in the heat all day. If they don't respond to your polite, neighborly gesture - then relay your concerns to AC.

[If you are a true animal lover and not just a blogger/drama starter, then I suggest offering to your neighbor YOUR home during the day. Whether your serious or not, that will show them that you are really concerned with the welfare of the dog and not just a nagging neighbor.]

Mind your own business. I have had animal control come by dozens of times because my dog was left out side when it is too hot or too cold. How do you know they don't have a watering system or a fan for the dog? The last time I had to show animal control that it was 15 degrees cooler in the back yard.
I also showed them the baby pool, constant fresh water and ceiling fan.

If they are abusing the dog then call but get your facts straight first.

I think this is a terrible situation. And unfortunately, somebody who neglects and is cruel to animals (and leaving a dog outside in this heat IS cruel) is not right mentally and is possibly dangerous. So, OP, please be cautious.

Before you do anything, take video of the situation to document it. Then proceed. You can do one of the following:

You could tell the owners of the dog that their dog cried all day due to the heat and that the situation is becoming dire for the dog. Ask if you can help in any way--offer to take the dog in to your home during the day and tell them that you will not take no for an answer otherwise you will have to go to animal control.

You can call animal control and try to have the animal removed. Your evidence will help.

You can try to remove the dog even if it means destroying part of their fence. How will they know it is you and/or maybe the dog will be so desperate that it will dig its way out.

Good luck. This is a horrible situation. Keep us posted on how it goes.

I think this is a terrible situation. And unfortunately, somebody who neglects and is cruel to animals (and leaving a dog outside in this heat IS cruel) is not right mentally and is possibly dangerous. So, OP, please be cautious.

Before you do anything, take video of the situation to document it. Then proceed. You can do one of the following:

You could tell the owners of the dog that their dog cried all day due to the heat and that the situation is becoming dire for the dog. Ask if you can help in any way--offer to take the dog in to your home during the day and tell them that you will not take no for an answer otherwise you will have to go to animal control.

You can call animal control and try to have the animal removed. Your evidence will help.

You can try to remove the dog even if it means destroying part of their fence. How will they know it is you and/or maybe the dog will be so desperate that it will dig its way out.

Good luck. This is a horrible situation. Keep us posted on how it goes.

Must. Have. Follow-up.

How about you call the cops and tell them to say to your neighbors, if they ask, that they were driving by patrolling the neighborhood and heard the dog barking and they investigated and found it to be dying of thirsT?

At the minimum, Animal Control would come over to verify whether the owner has provided for adequate shelter, water, and food. If they judge the conditions to be inadequate, they'll probably warn the owners once and give them instructions to avoid having their dog taken away.

sumguy Wrote:
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> Mind your own business. I have had animal control
> come by dozens of times because my dog was left
> out side when it is too hot or too cold. How do
> you know they don't have a watering system or a
> fan for the dog? The last time I had to show
> animal control that it was 15 degrees cooler in
> the back yard.
> I also showed them the baby pool, constant fresh
> water and ceiling fan.
>

You sir are trash.
> If they are abusing the dog then call but get your
> facts straight first.

@ OP
For the sake of closure, is that dog OK now?

yes, OP - Enquiring minds want to know..............

Yes, OP, a lot of us are worried.

FACE!!!

Check Blehs snakes too, as they deserve to receive care also.

Absolutely. Your intuition is spot on. It will remain anonymous. Let animal.control handle it from there to ut continue to keep an eye on the situation in case tbey don't correct the situation by giving the dog some shelter, more water, attention etc. Maybe a warning from animal.control will correct the situation. Poor dog that is terrible and sad.