The place where we live is really tranquil, friendly, typical hamlet style place in the middle of the country until our nextdoor neighbours moved in. They seemed friendly enough until they got their new GSD puppy. Clearly they had no idea what a dog was about and they only wanted it for the "macho" image which very sadly comes up with alot of people who buy GSDs. Anyway, the puppy grew up into a lovely friendly dog who wouldn't hurt a fly but it had one huge problem...it never left the back garden. The family never took it for a walk and never cleared the garden up so it smelt REALLY bad. All day and night it would howl and bark then occasionally you would here "SHUTUP" and a yelp.

We were walking our dog about 6pm at night in the summer when Sabre (their dog) came running up to us. He'd obviously escaped from the garden. Behind him was the man of the house chasing him with a big stick. He grabbed the dog by the collar and took him home.

The barking, howling, yelping continued for months as well as the poor dog not leaving the garden. (It didn't even have full run of the house...they kept it in their outhouse/utility room). Finally the neighbours all got together and made numerous reports to the RSPCA. They turned up at his house and asked him to clear the garden and make sure it had a walk each day.

Do you know what his idea of a walk was??? - Taking it on a short lead around the carpark (which is very small) once a day. The garden was cleared but only once...so it got to the same state as it was before. In the end, me and my family (ChinaBlue inparticular!!!) were making plans to kidnap the dog and take it to London. Obviously, we didn't do that but all the neighbours once again complained about his lack in dog interest. Luckily, the RSPCA came to take the dog away. They also have a cat which was basically receiving the same level of care but they told one of the neighbours they didn't care about it so now the neighbour looks after it.

From what we could understand, he was not allowed to have another dog for so many years. But, he got another one. Well, his wife did. Apparently it was her mother's but she couldn't look after it anymore. It's a West Highland Terrier and the same thing is happening to him as what happened to Sabre. He is locked in the outhouse, only has the garden for exercise and yaps and barks all day and night long.

They are a very abusive family and I'm not sure whether me phoning the RSPCA would be the right thing to do as he may be allowed to have dogs now.

Any help would be great!

K

K
I feel for you cos this is a heartbreaking and frustrating situation to be in.

I personally would report him again if you think the poor westie is recieving the same level of care as the GSD.  They saw fit to take sabre Im sure they will do something to help the Westie.  I really cannot understand people, to stop myself going insane I have to believe what goes around comes around and this family will get their comeupance for their cruelty. 

This westie has no way of changing its dire situation itself, it relies on people to look after it.

Would they listen to just one report though. Because I have had a bit of a gossip as with the other neighbours. I'm not at home through most weekdays but I am at night and on the weekends. And from what I can gather, it is a continuning problem.

The thing which frustrates me the most is the fact that he had his last dog taken away from him and the family still accepted the new one. I feel very bad now because it's been an ongoing problem for a whole year and I've done nothing about it.

K

The RSPCA listened to me and the pub owner I reported got a visit.  If he isnt allowed to keep animals they will know about it aswell.  Its worth a try.  Is he actually hurting the dog?

The dog I reported was just left on a fire escape all the time and the RSPCA gave him a visit, the dog got toys and bones and a kennel to shelter in after the visit. But the bones and toys soon stopped. His yard is keep clean now tho. 

Hi...I know someone who was treating there dog the same way, and the R.S.P.C.A came out and told her to clean up her act.....Anyway when the R.S.P.C.A officer came out again to check that she'd done what she was asked to do....the dog had died :-(  but she wasn't told that she couldn't have another dog.....i think the R.S.P.C.A only stop you having any other animals for 5 years if they prosicute you for neglect of the animal...which is stupid really....because they should of took Sabre away from your neighbours when it was first reported, if your concerned ring the R.S.P.C.A and just enquire...they should tell you weather or not there allowed another pet :-)

Thanks for the advice.

As far as I know (and can hear) he isn't hurting the dog like he did with Sabre. But, the dog is left for hours and hours on end. The family sometimes leave the house at 3am and don't return until 11pm. Very strange household.

Definitely going to phone the RSPCA

K

you have nothing to lose please phone them and be this little dogs voice.

Are you sure they took the dog away and it wasn't given up voluntary? Theres a massive difference.

I cannot for love nor money get an issue resolved regarding two gsds owned by my neighbour, they live in a shed all the time, they must obviously poop/pee in this shed they recieve no excercise at all and the rspca said they are fed and looked healthy and it wasn't a problem to them but a council problem!

The council say to keep a diary of any barking/disturbance! Never mind the welfare of these poor dogs shut in a shed.

Thats so sad to here mygirl.....the R.S.P.C.A dont give a s**t :-(

Does your local council have a dog warden?  Maybe they could help?

Despite the fact that IMHO RSPCA don't help very much at all, it's important to report this matter to them so that this goes on the records.  If your neighbour has a pattern of this type of treatment towards animals it's going to catch up with him sooner or later unfortunately and the more complaints he has on record, surely the better?

According to the RSPCA, as long as a dog has food, water, shelter and is looking healthy there is nothing they can do as the law stands, unless they have proof of neglect and abuse.  Not sure if this is the way the law is written or if they're copping out.  Of course, if there's a TV camera around its a different story ;)

The dog was taken away as the neighbours watched the commotion. Hopefully, the little dog will be placed in a much nicer home.

That is good to hear. Good on you Keira.