Owner spends no time with puppy and leaves it alone all day. Is this neglect?

Pisco Sour

Hi all, I'm not an expert on dogs but I am living in a shared accomodation with 6 other people, one of whom was allowed by the idiot landlords to bring a dog (called Sammy) in.

I have written much about it on this thread at after hours about how the owner doesnt care about anybody else in the house and leaves the dog outside in the back garden outside out rooms which ends up waking us up when the dog starts screaming. When I tried to be civil when talking to him about it he got annoyed and sort of threatened me.

Here is the thread:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056151507

However on this thread I want it to be more about the situation the poor dog is in.

He is the worst dog owner ever. He is a chef and so works 12 hours a day usually and so leaves the puppy out back on its own all day. That dog is miserable. It is the sadest, most depressed dog I have ever seen. It spends most of its time crying. He usually brings the dog into his room at night but he actually left the dog outside all night two nights ago, outside our bedroom windows. Incredibly rude. The thing cried with misery, then roared with anger, knocked over the bins completely getting agitated. The thing doesnt get much exercise, he never takes it for walks really. The dog was left outside for 23 hours in total.

Yesterday it got worse. After bringing his dog in for an hour last night he quickly sent it back outside where it remained for another 24 hours. Then he brought it in for another hour and he then amazingly sent it back outside (right outside my bedroom) for the night again. Enough was enough and I asked him why is he leaving the dog outside and that its inconsiderate of other people who are trying to sleep. He got very pissed off, and told me I'd want to watch myself and that I wouldnt want to get him angry. I said why is he not bringing the dog into his room at night anymore and he said because its p1ssing in his room (completely untrained the dog is). I said that it needs to be trained and he told me not to tell him what to do. He says he pays more rent than me (no sh1t shirlock considering he chose the most expensive room) so I dont have much of a say. I tried to talk to him in as much of a peaceful way as possible but he looked on the verge of becoming agressive. I said that I have every right to air my concerns, and he said "well you've aired your concerns and I dont give two sh1ts about them".

In addtion to this the dog (who is still a puppy, and not trained at all) has destroyed peoples clothes hanging to dry on the clothes line, chewed up one of the girls computer mouse, jumped in through the open window and knocked all the rubbish bins over. I cant blame the dog, its not his fault of course.

At the start I hated the dog as I wasnt happy with it being around but now I've realised it aint the dogs fault at all. He is totally helpless and being ignored for about 95% of the day by his owner. I actually love the dog now (and I have never been a dog person really) and feel real pity for him. I came back from work tonight at 8pm and no surprise the dog was standing at the back door crying (God only knows for how long). It is now 1.45am and the pr1ck of an owner is still not home. I have gone out to the dog about 7 times tonight and played with him as I cant let the thing suffer anymore and have spent about an hour and a half with him in total (not as a favour to that twat but for the dogs sake). But the puppy is not my (or any of the other housemates) responsibility and I can only so much. I wouldnt let him in the house though. I know its cruel but its not fair on the other housemates and on me if I did as the thing would cause a mess and wake everybody up. It gets so hyper and jumpy when it gets let in at the end of each day.

I'm wondering would all this classify as dog neglect and what can I do. From what I've heard as long as the dog has "adequate" shelter, food and water, which he probably does (just about) then there is nothing much that can be done. Also if I was to call the ASPCA (or whatever they are called) and somnething was done he would know it was me and he'd probably get violent physically towards me. He seems to have a short, agressive fuse.

I really wish this dog was staying with a nice family with some young children who would look after it and love it and not leave it for 24 hours at a time in a sh1thole back yard.

Here are some pics of the dog. They perfectly capture just how miserable the thing is:

Pisco Sour

One more pic. This photo is basically what the dog does for 50% of the day. Stands in this spot just outside the door waiting for his owner to come back and rescue him from the boredom and loneliness.

Cherry Blossom

For anyone who may know of any relevant procedures with authorities etc or legislation - the OP is in Sydney, Australia.

Pisco Sour

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

For anyone who may know of any relevant procedures with authorities etc or legislation - the OP is in Sydney, Australia.

Melbourne

Cherry Blossom

:rolleyes:, Don't know where I got Sydney form .

A good starting point for you, keep a record of dates and times, how often he interacts with the dog, what he does during these times, when it gets fed, gets water, when it crys and how long for. Write it all down.

Also include any conversations/confrontations you have with the owner and who said what, verbal assault is still assault and is a criminal offence!

liah

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Also include any conversations/confrontations you have with the owner and who said what, verbal assault is still assault and is a criminal offence!

Sorry to derail a tiny bit, but is this true? I'd imagine things like death threats etc are criminal offenses but just having a go at someone isn't, surely?

Wolfe Tone

liah wrote: »

Sorry to derail a tiny bit, but is this true? I'd imagine things like death threats etc are criminal offenses but just having a go at someone isn't, surely?

It depends, did they scare you, make you feel you were gonna get a box?

Pisco Sour

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

A good starting point for you, keep a record of dates and times, how often he interacts with the dog, what he does during these times, when it gets fed, gets water, when it crys and how long for. Write it all down.

He usually takes him into his room when he is home, as the rest of the housemates (me included dont want it roaming around the house).

I do have a job, life etc though so I am away from the house a good bit so it can be hard to get all that information to be honest.

I think some nights he stays at his girlfriends place. Its 2.10am now and he hasnt been home to let the dog in so I suspect thats where he is now. He surely is some c0ck!

Its funny, during our discussion last night he said to me do I have any idea how hard it was for him to find a place to live where he could bring the dog with him, and that all appartments were out of the question. Along with the pure ignorance of bringing a dog into shared accomodation it has never occured to him that a single chef who works insane hours shouldnt have a puppy in the first place!!

Cherry Blossom

liah wrote: »

Sorry to derail a tiny bit, but is this true? I'd imagine things like death threats etc are criminal offenses but just having a go at someone isn't, surely?

If you percieve them to be a threat it is assault, the law as it stands in England & Wales so quite likely in Australia also.

<Edit> Road rage for example can be classed as assault.

Cherry Blossom

04072511 wrote: »

I do have a job, life etc though so I am away from the house a good bit so it can be hard to get all that information to be honest.

Just write down what you see/hear/notice. The kind of points you have put in your opening post.

Tranceypoo

Firstly, get on to the RSPCA, here is the link http://www.rspca.org.au/ phone them, get them to put you onto the local org in Melbourne and talk to them, explain the whole thing and see what they say/advise.

Secondly, talk to your landlord. This guy sounds like a class A arsehole and he is intimidating and threatening you, you shouldn't have to live like that and neither should that poor dog.

Let us know how you get on but please do call the RSPCA first and foremost for help.

Please for the love of god ring the RSPCA, that poor puppy

Jumpy

How many tenants?

Organise a meeting with the landlord without him and state your issues.

Argue that you want him removed or the rest of you will up and leave.

MsFifers

Could you help the dog "escape" ... ie fake a hole in the fence & bring the dog to a rescue centre? The poor critter - it is no life for an animal that need companionship as much as dogs do.

The other thing is maybe to try talking again to your housemate. Although you were trying to be reasonable, people do react defensively if they feel they are being criticised.

Maybe try an approach like saying how much you are getting fond of the dog, and that you played with him for a while and how great he is. If your housemate feels like you share an interest with him (ie the dog), he might be more open to talking about the dog's welfare.

I know its not your responsibility, but you could always bring the dog for walks & learn how to train it yourself. Maybe if it was housetrained, all the tenants of your house could be buddies for the poor thing.

Cherry Blossom

RSPCA Victoria - Online complaint form:

http://www.rspcavic.org/rspca_services/inspectoratecomplaintform.htm

Phone no. on there for anonymous complaints also.

sassychick

This poor baby...ring the rspca...if he is gone for long periods of time is he leaving sufficent water and food for him...if no is he expecing you and your house mates todo it...could some of your other housemates have a word he sounds like a rite eegit...this poor dog doesnt deserve it..please let us know the outcome...hopefully rspca ge involved:mad::(

Discodog

Definitely call the RSPCA but also consider other options as the Law in Victoria is like the old UK law. In other words they haven't introduced a proper Animal Welfare Act. This could mean that whilst, to any animal lover it is neglect, it may not be in law. This is because the older cruelty laws do not recognise companionship as a basic need. If the dog has shelter, food, water & is in reasonable condition then it may be totally legal. But the RSPCA are still your first port of call as they will have the experience.

Pisco Sour

Well 7.50am this morning and I was woken up by the dog howling and crying and bashing into things getting agitated, trying to escape. And guess what, it was right outside my window. Not only is this unfair on the dog but it is blatent disregard for fellow housemates leaving him out there alll night.

Also I needed to take an inhaler this morning as I was very short of breath. This ahsnt happened in awhile. But the morning after playingn with the dog I need an inhaler. An astmatic like myself cant take care of a dog!

I wonder if the dog realises he is over near my bedroom window. Maybe all the attntion I am giving it is backfiring. Who knows!

Zapperzy

That is most definitely neglect. Your housemate sounds like a class A pr1ck, from what you've said he doesn't really care for the dog he just likes the idea of 'owning' a dog and the occasional (an hour a day) novelty of a dog, but of course when the reality kicks in that dogs need training and will pee in the house and won't just sit there quiet all day until that occasional hour a day attention comes he just kicks it outside.

I don't know what the laws are like over there, over here if the dog has food, water and shelter there's little that can be done, if it's much the same over there and the dog is getting all of those Id consider the dog 'escaping', and if possible find somewhere else to live. It sounds like he wouldn't miss it anyways. Don't hesitate to call the RSPCA anyways and see what they can do.

Pisco Sour

I rang up the RSPCA but they had me on hold for 15 minutes waiting so I gave up.

I rang some other company but they said they cant enforce anything so I jut had a chat to the lady over the phone about it and she said the laws only relate to shelter, food and water, so unless I can prove that he isnt getting enough water then theres nothing I can do.

My housemates also said that they dont think I should walk the dog as it is not my dog and he may not be happy if he found out that I walked it without his permission.

This dog is f*cked for life it seems.

Zapperzy

If thats the case then I would give the rspca another try, and then could the front door/side gate accidently be left open if they can do nothing? Maybe give some local shelters a ring and see if they would take him in. He looks like a lovely dog. Being left out the back on his own is no life for him, if the 'owner' (I use that term loosely) was genuinely in a tough situation with working long hours and was genuinely try to put in an effort with this dog I would say just offer your help but he doesn't seem to give two monkeys about him. :mad:

Princess Aries

Not really OP, the dog is not fooked for life.. you obviously are a good person and made the effort to put in a very detailed first post and took time to take all those pic's and load them on of the little guy.. surely that must have taken more than 15mins?? would it not be worth your while to ring the RSPCA again and wait until you get to speak to someone? Even if you are on for half an hour, its only 30mins of your life to help a needy animal??

If you dont get any joy from them, then a "faked escape" might be the way to go? 2b honest sounds like its only a matter of time before Sammy finds a way to get out himself.. Most dogs that have been socially neglected like him end up with behaviour problems, excessive barking, digging etc and trying to escape from there environment.

At least if you took him to a rescue and said you found him wandering around your neighbourhood it would be better than him really escaping and ending up god knows where? The only worry tho is if the dog is Microchipped ? because if he is then he will just end up back with its Irresponsible Owner! If you defo know he is not microchipped im sure it would be safe enough to bring him to a rescue minus his collar. Rescues are quite strict so you know he would hopefully end up in a good home.. All the poor guy needs is some TLC from a dog lover and some proper training which just takes time and patience.. All of the things he is defo not going to get where he is now!

Those pics broke my heart to look at and the thoughts of him being left out there all that time, but in saying that he looks quite healthy and not underweight so "The Great Escape" might be your best option..

Please do something tho, this situation isn't going to magically get better over night, the poor fella is going to just get more and more anxious and could then turn agressive through that anxiety.. Thats the last thing I'm sure you want.

Plse keep us all informed of Sammys situation! If I was a few thousand miles closer I'd nearly rescue him from that garden meself!!;)

The Sweeper

Faked escape won't work. The dog is microchipped. The coloured tag on his collar is a registration tag for the local council, and if he's registered then he'll be chipped. As soon as you deliver the dog to a rescue centre, they'll scan his chip and call the chef to say they have his dog. You cannot transfer ownership of a microchipped animal in Victoria without the owner's written consent.

The dog looks like a beagle, but I don't think his conformation is good - those splayed front feet. However if he was sold to the chef as a pedigree, very possibly from a backyard breeder because they're common in Victoria, then chances are the chef paid anywhere up to $1,500 or more for the dog. That price tag will do a lot to stop him listening to any advice on rehoming or care of the dog.

My suggestion would be you complain to your landlord. Document everything that's happened and present the landlord with a complaint. He may force the chef to either move out, or rehome the dog.

You can also contact your neighbours to see if the dog is bothering them. If he is, you can ask them to lodge a complaint with the council. The council will ask them if they've contacted the chef directly, because councils rather people try to resolve matters themselves. If you get the neighbours to press that the chef is unapproachable, they will send the rangers out to discuss the complaint with the chef. A visit from the rangers may persuade the chef that he needs to do better by the dog.

The other option is you call your local council yourself and ask to speak to the animal control division and discuss it with the rangers. If you tell them you're concerned about the dog being a nuisance with barking and behaviour, and describe the chef's reaction and threats to you, you may be able to give them a heads up about a time and day when he's home where they can call out to speak to him.

The animal control laws down here do make provision against nuisance dogs, e.g. barking, howling, so on. If the beagle's being a nuisance, the rangers can intervene. The RSPCA may not be able to do much given that the dog is not neglected on paper - e.g. has food, water, shelter, so on.

Final option is to join DOL Australia and post this same thread there under General Dog Discussion - http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showforum=6. There are folks on there who may be able to help or offer suggestions because they'll know the law down here.

Pisco Sour

I have to head to work now so I wont be able to reply for awhile.

I took more pics of him today. Firsty of the dog just lying depressed in front of the front door, and then I took pics of it during and after I played with it and the difference is astonishing. The thing actually smiled. First time I saw it smile.

I'll post the pics up later.

I dont get the feeling the rest of the housemates are too concerned about the dog. Feel sorry for him yes but they dont seem too bothered with its suffering.

Also the Dog is microchipped as was asked above.

Glowing

This thread is breaking my heart

Edit. do u think getting a visit from the rspca would persuade him to surrender the dog? you could ask them to say a concerned neighbour made the complaint. you really can't move out unless something is done, else the dog will have such a miserable life Failing that, steal the dog when you move and give him to a friend on the QT

jjjade

hey

i am aware you are in Oz. i had a issue like this, my neighbour locked their dog from 9-5 in the kennel while she went to work, the poor thing would cry all day!!!!

i rang for advice from the rspca, and they advised that they are powerless, the law is as long as they have water, food and shelter, nothing they can do!!!!!

since then the dog is living in the garden and is soooo happy, i think the neighbours kept mentioning it and she got sick of being watched

i really do feel for you and your house mates with the noise, you all probably work really hard aswell and deserve a lie in without being woken up!!! you spending time with the dog even for a little bit makes the dog happy and u feel a tiny bit better about the situation so really good for you, you are doing a great thing for the dog!!! this story is breaking my heart, she/he is fabulous and soooo cute!!! how could the owner do that to something so loyal and helpless!!!

i would suggest like everyone ring the aspca and see if they can advise you. also contact the landlord as it is there house and their responsibility that all tenants are living in a good and friendly environment. i know that if you rent out a field and the person who pays this lease keeps neglected horses on it, that is the landlords responsibility aswell!!! maybe this works for houses?

keep us posted i would love a happy ending for this little guy, if all else fails but him on a plane to ireland and i will pick him up

Pisco Sour

I adore the dog to be perfectly honest. Its impossible not to especially given the circumstances. The stupid thing has been all I have been able to think of today and it is genuinely breaking my heart (and that is something for a male who is not a traditional dog lover to say).

First up there have been a lot of suggestions (maybe more so on the other thread) for me to take the dog and just give it away. That is theft, and is a criminal offence, especially if the owner paid good money (or indeed any money) for it. So that can not happen.

I came home from work at 10pm and the dog was alone in the garden of course! Played with it and even let it into the kitchen for 10 minutes after dog proofing it. You should have seen the thing trying to resist being brought back out to the garden. Was hilarious. So I just left it and walked out to the garden knowing the thing would get bored on its own and follow me out and sure 10 seconds later it was back in the back garden!!

It is now 1.30am and no sign of the dog owner. Unless he came home really early and webt to bed but probably not.

Here are a few pics I took earlier. The first 2 are of the dog on its own depressed waiting outside the door. The next 3 are the dog happy during and after I played with it. A completely different dog!!!!! Literally the first time I have ever seen it smile.

ISDW

Probably none of my business, but if you're in Australia, why are you asking for advice on an Irish forum? Sweeper lives in Australia, so can help you with legalities etc, but I wouldn't have thought many people here would be able to help you. Our laws, both animal welfare and tenant are totally different.

I would suggest you go onto that site that Sweeper has put up and you might have more luck.

Please don't take this as me being rude or uncaring, I just don't understand why you are on this particular forum

Best of luck.

**Vai**

I dont get why you're posting pics of the dog being "depressed". Surely u know in your heart that something needs to be done so get off the computer and do it.

Pisco Sour

**Vai** wrote: »

I dont get why you're posting pics of the dog being "depressed". Surely u know in your heart that something needs to be done so get off the computer and do it.

I put up the pictures of it being sad so that people could see the difference between it before and after I played with it (i.e. what the owner should be doing regularly, many times a day).

I am risking damage to my health so I can give the dog as much attention as I can, without completely taking over my own life. I have spent about 4 hours of the last 30 playing with the thing and have let it into the kitchen twice now and have given it some snacks and fresh water. I stayed up til 3am for the dog last night and got woken up by it outside my window going crazy at 7.50 am! There is very little else it seems I can do legally so I dont take kind to your condescending comments!

**Vai**

Ok then, just keep typing and whining about it.

The answer we've all given u in one way or another is, yes, its neglect. Do something. Otherwise dont bother posting on a forum about it.

fatmammycat

04072511 wrote: »

I put up the pictures of it being sad so that people could see the difference between it before and after I played with it (i.e. what the owner should be doing regularly, many times a day).

I am risking damage to my health so I can give the dog as much attention as I can, without completely taking over my own life. I have spent about 4 hours of the last 30 playing with the thing and have let it into the kitchen twice now and have given it some snacks and fresh water. I stayed up til 3am for the dog last night and got woken up by it outside my window going crazy at 7.50 am! There is very little else it seems I can do legally so I dont take kind to your condescending comments!

OP, you're in a very difficult position. Legally you don't own the dog and so cannot remove it and most likely the shelters won't intervene once the animal has food and shelter. The best you can do is speak calmly to the owner and see will he surrender the animal to a local rehoming shelter. Keep your cool, point out the animal is clearly miserable and appeal to his compassion- if he has any. Good luck.

tightropetom

To all the haters - the OP is just looking for advice as to what he/she can or can't do. I'm sure they've already contacted the RSPCA. :mad:

As for why they've posted on the Irish boards - perhaps they don't want to get found out by asking around on a Melbourne bulletin board to which the villian in this story is attached.

Just a thought, although I must admit the dog doesn't look too unhealthy or depressed. If I got a picture taken mid-blink, I'd look down and depressed too. And I'm happy as beejaysus :-)

Get on to the RSPCA if you haven't already. They can advise. Failing that, you could always leave the gate open...

Hellrazer

**Vai** wrote: »

Ok then, just keep typing and whining about it.

The answer we've all given u in one way or another is, yes, its neglect. Do something. Otherwise dont bother posting on a forum about it.

Thats uncalled for and this post was reported.The OP is looking for advice and doesnt need this type of response.

thorbarry

does he have a dog license(does australia have this?)? if he doesnt maybe you could report the dog and they will take the dog ?

Pisco Sour

Cam home at about 9.45pm from work. The chef was home for a change. I decided I would go try clear the air, not that I wanted to but just for the sake of the dog.

I knocked on his door and went in and he was playing video games with a mate or something like that and the dog was in there wandering around. I asked could I talk to him for a minute and he said (with his disgusting usual smirk on his face) "nah". I said I want to clear the air and he says "not know, I'm busy".

Such a pr1ck.

After I left and closed the door I heard the dog barking so maybe that means it wanted me to come back.

He put the dog out an hour ago while he is still in his room with his mate. He came out through the kitchen saw me there but made no effort to talk to me.

So I have goe out to the dog every 20 minutes or so to try train it to sit by giving it food. It seems to be working, and the thing isnt moaning as much as it seems to know I will be coming back. Still waits at the door though.

Was reading up on Seperation Anxiety for dogs earlier. Its facinating. So much I didnt know about dogs. I found a link that took 20 minutes to read and I can safely say that the chef has done not one of the things suggested on it.

Pisco Sour

**Vai** wrote: »

Ok then, just keep typing and whining about it.

The answer we've all given u in one way or another is, yes, its neglect. Do something. Otherwise dont bother posting on a forum about it.

A bit uncalled for.

Pisco Sour

I forgot to metion that I texted the landlord today about it and he wrote back saying

"I actually agree with you that I don't believe he is taking proper care of the dog but I cannot tell someone how to look after their pet, my house or not..."

the_syco

**Vai** wrote: »

Ok then, just keep typing and whining about it.

The answer we've all given u in one way or another is, yes, its neglect. Do something. Otherwise dont bother posting on a forum about it.

Like what? Like f**king what?

The dog is chipped, so if she lets it out, or brings it to the pound, it'll get returned to the chef.

The chef has paid money for the dog, so if the OP sells it, they risk having criminal charges brought against them by the chef.

The OP is an astmatic, and need to use their inhaler after playing with the dog. So they're risking their health playing with the dog.

Pisco Sour

the_syco wrote: »

Like what? Like f**king what?

The dog is chipped, so if she lets it out, or brings it to the pound, it'll get returned to the chef.

The chef has paid money for the dog, so if the OP sells it, they risk having criminal charges brought against them by the chef.

The OP is an astmatic, and need to use their inhaler after playing with the dog. So they're risking their health playing with the dog.

This

Pisco Sour

Just rang the ASPCA and they said there is nothing they can do. They can only go by the legislation that is given by the Australian Government.

They suggested talking to the neighbours to see if I can get a noise complaint going.

Any other ideas? I'm running low on them

The Sweeper

04072511 wrote:

Just rang the ASPCA and they said there is nothing they can do. They can only go by the legislation that is given by the Australian Government.

They suggested talking to the neighbours to see if I can get a noise complaint going.

Oh really? Who knew.

The Sweeper wrote: »

You can also contact your neighbours to see if the dog is bothering them. If he is, you can ask them to lodge a complaint with the council. The council will ask them if they've contacted the chef directly, because councils rather people try to resolve matters themselves. If you get the neighbours to press that the chef is unapproachable, they will send the rangers out to discuss the complaint with the chef. A visit from the rangers may persuade the chef that he needs to do better by the dog.

04072511 wrote:

Any other ideas? I'm running low on them

At the risk of repeating myself - I live about an hour's drive away from you, am involved in animal rescue in Victoria as opposed to 12,000 miles away, and would like to know if you've tried either of the other things I suggested or just wrote them off.

The Sweeper wrote: »

The other option is you call your local council yourself and ask to speak to the animal control division and discuss it with the rangers. If you tell them you're concerned about the dog being a nuisance with barking and behaviour, and describe the chef's reaction and threats to you, you may be able to give them a heads up about a time and day when he's home where they can call out to speak to him.

The animal control laws down here do make provision against nuisance dogs, e.g. barking, howling, so on. If the beagle's being a nuisance, the rangers can intervene. The RSPCA may not be able to do much given that the dog is not neglected on paper - e.g. has food, water, shelter, so on.

Final option is to join DOL Australia and post this same thread there under General Dog Discussion - http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showforum=6. There are folks on there who may be able to help or offer suggestions because they'll know the law down here.

Laisurg

If he leaves the dog alone pretty much all day then this is neglect, does he feed the dog properly also out of curiosity? I would confront the dog owner about it, if he threatens you properly in any way whatsoever inform him that you'll call the police and he should back down, he just sounds like a twat to be honest, although in all honesty i doubt the poor dog would get any better treatment in an animal shelter so if this neglect continues i would suggest finding someone that would look after the dog, if you find someone contact animal rights and tell them about the situation and that you found someone to look after it etc, if not i would say all you can do is leave the poor fella and maybe try give him a little attention yourself when you have time to make it easier on him, he would probably be worse off if he was in an animal shelter after all.

Pisco Sour

Just wondering what do people think of me doing this:

Last night the dog stayed in the owners room. Knowing full well that he would put the dog out at about 7am this morning I emptied the water from the pot out back to see if he would notice that there was no water and refill it. I assume the chef is at work now for the day and its 9.50am and I have noticed no water in the pot. He didnt refill it. He obviously didnt check to see if he needed water. And it is very hot out! Now this is neglect. If I can do this on maybe 5-6 occasions then this is something I can contact the ASPCA about and nail his ass!!! They said they cant do anything about him forgetting to give water on one or two occasions, it has to be a repeated offence.

Dont worry I will give the dog back his water now while the chef is gone for the day, and will do the same experiment again late tonight!

ISDW

04072511 wrote: »

Just wondering what do people think of me doing this:

Last night the dog stayed in the owners room. Knowing full well that he would put the dog out at about 7am this morning I emptied the water from the pot out back to see if he would notice that there was no water and refill it. I assume the chef is at work now for the day and its 9.50am and I have noticed no water in the pot. He didnt refill it. He obviously didnt check to see if he needed water. And it is very hot out! Now this is neglect. If I can do this on maybe 5-6 occasions then this is something I can contact the ASPCA about and nail his ass!!! They said they cant do anything about him forgetting to give water on one or two occasions, it has to be a repeated offence.

Dont worry I will give the dog back his water now while the chef is gone for the day, and will do the same experiment again late tonight!

Seriously? You don't think that it will be you who will be charged with animal cruelty instead? Maybe he refilled it last night before bed, never thinking for one moment that someone would empty it. Of course he should have checked, but thats not really the point. What if you had to dash off somewhere, if you'd got an emergency phone call or something, the dog would have been left with no water.

Pisco Sour

ISDW wrote: »

Seriously? You don't think that it will be you who will be charged with animal cruelty instead? Maybe he refilled it last night before bed, never thinking for one moment that someone would empty it. Of course he should have checked, but thats not really the point. What if you had to dash off somewhere, if you'd got an emergency phone call or something, the dog would have been left with no water.

Fair enough, it was just an idea, and I am seriously running out of them!! Getting him done for not giving water is realisticlly all that can be done to get the dog taken off this gobsh1te!

The Sweeper

04072511 wrote: »

Fair enough, it was just an idea, and I am seriously running out of them!! Getting him done for not giving water is realisticlly all that can be done to get the dog taken off this gobsh1te!

Getting him done for not giving the dog water is not all that can realistically be done.

I've given you three solutions - involve the council rangers via your neighbours, involve the council rangers yourself by declaring the dog a nuisance, (and keeping a barking dog diary), and telling them the chef is aggressive, and posting on the DOL Australia forums for other responses.

I honesly have no idea why you're utterly ignoring the three options I've given you, which I know through personal experience, dealing with Victorian councils and logging nuisance dog complaints myself, have a chance of working.

Do you have me on ignore so you're actually not seeing the posts? Do you not get that the dog is not neglected on paper, but IS a nuisance dog and there are laws to deal with that?

Call your council on Monday. Speak to the ranger. See what they say. Then come back and ask for more suggestions.

Pisco Sour

The Sweeper wrote: »

I've given you three solutions - involve the council rangers via your neighbours,

Am going to do this tomorrow. Am going to contact both next door neighbours.

The Sweeper wrote: »

involve the council rangers yourself by declaring the dog a nuisance, (and keeping a barking dog diary), and telling them the chef is aggressive,

If I lodge a complaint and he knows that it was me it could put myself in physical danger. I need to be careful around him.

The Sweeper wrote: »

and posting on the DOL Australia forums for other responses.

[/QUOTE]

Too risky. How do I know he doesnt post on the forums, or his mates dont?

The Sweeper

04072511 wrote: »

Am going to do this tomorrow. Am going to contact both next door neighbours.

Basically you need to speak to someone in the animal control or local laws department (or someone in local laws regarding animal control - I don't know where you live so I don't know who your council are or how they're set up).

It IS something that councils in Victoria take very seriously though. This is lifted directly from the City of Melbourne website:

Barking dogs

Excessive barking can be annoying for neighbours and the community. Dogs often bark because they are bored, lonely or frustrated due to lack of exercise and mental stimulation.

If you own a dog, ensure your dog has plenty of companionship, exercise and a comfortable place to sleep.

If your dog is barking, try taking it for more regular walks, especially if the dog is confined to a small backyard or is indoors all day. Dogs need social experience too. Obedience training can also help prevent behavioural problems such as excessive barking.

Your neighbours can complain if your dog is often noisy or disturbs the peace unreasonably. Under nuisance laws, the City of Melbourne is responsible for investigating complaints about noise from domestic animals in the community. If your dog constantly barks you may be fined or taken to court where you could be ordered to take action to stop your dog barking.

The council will ask if you can keep a barking dog diary (or if your neighbours can keep one). Basically you track the amount of time the dog spends alone, when he barks, how long he barks for, what he's barking at (e.g. bin lorry, postman, helicopter overhead, so on). The rangers do this because at the most severe end, a nuisance dog case can go to court of law and the owner ordered to do something to stop the barking so they need a diary of evidence.

04072511 wrote: »

If I lodge a complaint and he knows that it was me it could put myself in physical danger. I need to be careful around him.

This is a whole other issue. Personally, I wouldn't house share like this. If you're really worried about him, have a chat with the police. Something else different to Ireland - Australian police take threats of violence and intimidation quite seriously. Did you know that holding your finger up at someone and pointing at them while having a go - that's assault down here. If you make someone feel threatened or fearful, they can make a complaint to the police about your behaviour.

I know your landlord has said he can't tell someone how to look after their animals, but that's a total copout. Once you have the neighbours onside, call the landlord and tell him the neighbours are putting in a complaint to the council about the dog being a nuisance because it barks and howls out in the yard all the time. That may get his attention quicker than leading with 'the guy isn't minding his dog properly'.

04072511 wrote: »

Too risky. How do I know he doesnt post on the forums, or his mates dont?

Don't post pictures of the dog or give any other details like his career. Or just join up and search the forum for other barking dog stories - there are some on there.

Pisco Sour

The sad thing is though that now it seems like the dog is too disheartened to bark and just whines. The whining may wake me up because he is close to my room but may not wake the neighbours up. I have only heard it bark once in the last week. Before that it barked much more.

I'll talk to the neigbours anyway and see if they have a problem with the dog. Thats a good starting point.

Princess Aries

Hey just wondering if you had any joy with the neighbours? How are things going for the little guy?

Was thinking the barking probs stopped because you were giving him abit more attention than he was used to, the poor thing.. I feel sorry for you too, you are in a total catch 22 situation there.

Hopefully all will be resolved soon,

Keep us all updated tho, am curious to see how everything works out