Neighbours dog...again.

[WalfordEast]

I made a thread a few nights ago about my neighbours dog. I'll recap:

Was dog sitting for a friend. Went out late Wednesday evening to take the dog for a walk- and neighbours dog was wandering in the lane. Now, it is a quiet country lane- but it's straight, and national speed limit so people rarely go slower than 50mph so the chance of the dog surviving if hit are zilch.

Neighbours are constantly letting the dog do this- they have electric gates that when open the dog can just wander. Either this or they keep it locked in a stable at the barks of the property where it barks. And barks. And barks. There house is surrounded by garden and a field on one side so it doesn't disturb the neighbours- but at the side of the field closest to their house their is a public footpath so you can hear the dog if you walk along it. The dog was their sons, and it apparently attacked their toddler so it went to his parents.

Anyway- found the dog. Rang the buzzer and no answer. Dog followed us home, took it back in the car THREE times and no answer on the buzzer despite the second and third times there being lights on in the upstairs of the house. On the third time I left note saying that I would take the dog back this evening where it would spend the night in my garage and if they didn't collect it at the end of the next day, I would be contacting the dog warden.

They (begrudgingly) came round about 1pm the next day. Luckily I was working from home, but their dog had kept me awake all night with it's barking. They didn't even thank me for taking the dog in. Heavy rain and storms were forecasted in our area, not to mention the fact the lane has NO street lighting and people just don't give a shit about the speed they drive at down the lane.

Now the problem- they keep letting it out, and it keeps coming to my property. Woke me up last night, took it back at 3am (this time I just rang the buzzer until they answered- I had to wait 45 minutes) and they bed grudgingly took it back, no word of thanks yet again.

Saw it wandering in the lane when I went out for groceries earlier. I just drove past. Came back and it was sat at the bottom of my drive. No answer on the buzzer this time.

So it's now back in my garage, barking it's head off. I don't want to bring it in the house because it isn't going to be its home. Harsh, perhaps but I don't have the lifestyle for the type of dog (spaniel)- they need so much exercise and I just don't have the time, or the garden space for it.

AIBU to call the RSPCA? They clearly don't give a shit about it.

I would take it to an animal rescue place and say you found it. They will obviously check for a microchip and contact the owners who will hopefully not take him back.

So sad what's wrong with people?
Well done for helping the dog op

Owners sound like horrible people.

Couldn't you take it to the police station and they will take it to the dog warden? I know someone who did this with a stray dog. Luckily the dog was microchipped so was reunited with its owner.

Poor dog. as awful as it sounds I'd also keep tying it to their gate or somewhere inside their property and ring the warden. I think they're taking advantage of your good nature OP.

I'm glad you've been able to help OP. Poor dog. Sorry nothing more constructive to add I just hope the dog gets regimes with people that care.

I'd also inform the police to let them know so you're covered, also they may prosecute with a bit of luck?

Ask them if they want help to rehome the dog.

Oh poor puppy. :( I agree they obviously don't actually want the dog.

I for one am thanking you for not leaving the dog to get hit on a fast road and potentially kill the family in the car along with it.

This whole scenario sounds entirely thankless, you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. RSPCA don't want to know as you've provided care and they are only interested in abuse cases it would seem. Dog warden again is probably only interested if the dog is potentially a threat to the public in some way. Animal charities are chocka block so I imagine there will be a waiting list and you don't have the authority to euthanase it or personally rehome it.

Sounds like your neighbours have got you nicely snookered.

Dog Warden is trying to fob you off with duff information. Legally your local authority in the form of the dog warden have to collect stray dogs even if a kind human being has taken them on to their property. You need to push hard to get them to collect, but they are required by law to do so.

Dog still here. Neighbours haven't got back to me at all. Getting incredibly irate . I may just go and tie it to the gate but i'll feel horrifically cruel

Please do no tie the dog to the gate. Where are you based? If you let us know we can search local dog rescue for you. The dog charities will take them in. Or at least if it's a cocker spaniel contact a dedicated cocker spaniel rescue. The dog has been abandoned now I would say. Don't leave it in your garage. Let's get it rehomed

I say this looking at my rescue dog who was a Stray, rehomed and then left to run wild and then abandoned and tied to a fence. It took a us over a year to help his anxiety.

Where abouts are you op? I know a few spaniel rescues so if know where ou are, can give you contact details of that helps

(Hell, If you're anywhere near me - doubtful though if you're rural - I'll come and get it and into rescues I volunteer with) some people need locking out in the rain themselves for being so heartless! (Obviously not you op!)