WWYD? - possible animal abuse

[Deleted]

I volunteer for United Way locally and I go read to a 2nd grader who is below reading level once a week. Well, my child was absent today (he is often) and I read to someone else's child since they didn't bother to show up (she's a flake and I can't stand her for other reasons) but her child told me today that, basically, their dog is abused.

He told me the dog stays on a chain all the time and it has sores and no hair around its neck because of it. His mom keeps "medicine" on it, but it's still yucky and bleeds. His words, not mine. Would you report this on up the food chain?

[laurack]

I wouldn't report it directly to the authorities. But, I would suggest talking to the mother and seeing what kind of response you get from that.

[Deleted]

I was thinking of getting in touch with the organizer of this program to get her input. I only know the child's name and nothing about the family, other than a last name.


ETA: We have no contact with the families.

[laurack]

yes I mean the thing is maybe the animal is abused. Or maybe there is another explanation for it being chained and sick/hairless etc.? I just would try not to jump to conclusions simply based on what a young child interprets/describes.

But I would definitely do some follow up because I couldn't live with knowing the dog might be being abused.. I love doggies. I hate people who abuse dogs. They are so defenceless.

[mala]

I would either find out their name & address and call animal control myself or pass the info on to a supervisor and be sure that they will do it. AC won't take the animal away if they can help it.


Edited for typo

[katie]

Jan 8, 2013 15:10:43 GMT -5 dragonflybelle said:

I was thinking of getting in touch with the organizer of this program to get her input. I only know the child's name and nothing about the family, other than a last name.


ETA: We have no contact with the families.

I agree with you on getting in touch with the organizer of this particular program. They can talk to the school about what you heard. So sad It must be really bothering them to bring it up.

[mikehoncho]

Yes yes I would report it. Definitely

[Deleted]

OK gals....let me send her a message.

[lolaburns]

I wouldn't call animal control, but the local ASPCA. Animal control here, euthanizes animals and doesn't issue fines for abuse. Does LA have the ASPCA there? I don't even know. In NY you can be fined for having your dog chained up outside with signs of neglect like open wounds and sores.


Sent from my iPad using ProBoards app

[Deleted]

We JUST got an ASPCA in our area.

[bebeetmoi]

Jan 8, 2013 15:46:15 GMT -5 dragonflybelle said:

We JUST got an ASPCA in our area.

I would call them, definitely. Report it up the chain also to see what kind of feedback you get, but I would still contact ASPCA. I called them about a year ago to report a dog a block away from us that was horribly abused and starved nearly to death and they took the dog away, and I believe found her a good home after a few months. I agree with Lola, AC euthanizes animals within 48 hours if the animal isn't claimed otherwise.

[bebeetmoi]

And PS- I think it's really wonderful that you volunteer your time in the way you do!

[Deleted]

OK, I emailed the organizer, but also I dug up his parents on FB and it appears that they are pretty doting pet owners from the photos on FB but you never know. Now I can get their address pretty easily if this organizer doesn't follow through.

Also, the mom has a photo of her friend's 5 year old in his casket and a photo of her grandmother's grave with flowers all over it. Odd....

[katie]

Jan 8, 2013 15:24:22 GMT -5 @pcloadletter said:

Oh. My. Gah. Katie that siggy picture! She gets cuter with every one.

Thanks! I love seeing you new siggy's - you make some cute babies!

[mamasaurus]

Yes. I'd be on it like flies on stink.

[kdrake8]

Jan 8, 2013 15:29:10 GMT -5 mikehoncho said:

Yes yes I would report it. Definitely

Yeah, this makes me so sad

[Deleted]

No reply yet. If I don't have one by 11 am tomorrow (lunch), I am calling the SPCA.




***Ouiser's iPhone was here***

[mscatra]

Please let us know what happens. I'm trying to think of a reason why a dog with open neck sores would still be kept on a chain without it being abuse, but I got nothin'. Poor, poor baby.

[petitepomme]

Definitly report it. Don't try speaking to the parents, chances are it won't help and if the dog is taken away you really don't want them to know that it was you who reported them.

[Deleted]

Jan 9, 2013 9:18:46 GMT -5 petitepomme said:

Definitly report it. Don't try speaking to the parents, chances are it won't help and if the dog is taken away you really don't want them to know that it was you who reported them.

I have no contact with them myself.