To think that this just so cruel!

[MrsTeach]

First post, please be gentle!

So our neighbours have a lovely little dog. Unfortunately, said dog is left outside permanently and just isn't happy about it.
There is a little kennel and a water bowl so it does have shelter and drink but it is tied to the gate the majority of the time and just sits barking/howling at the window.

This has been the situation for months. During the winter I called the RSPCA on more than one occasion as the dog was howling throughout the night and it was so cold! Nothing was done.

Now it is boiling outside and they still say they can't do anything as the dog does have access to shelter and water!

We do see it taken out on walks very occasionally (maybe once a week if that) but I just think what is the point in having a dog if you don't actually want it in your house!

We haven't spoken to the owners (their garden backs onto ours so in another street) I'm not really sure what to say. Should I be approaching them?

Any advice gratefully received!

I’d speak to the owners and say that the howling is annoying you, which I’m assuming it is and ask them to do something. If they don’t, get the council involved

Had that problem with old neighbours, the RCPSA gave no fucks untill the poor dog had ended up disabled due to neglect. Even then the neighbours gave it up voluntarily (the were sick of rspca visits due to my calls).

Horrible situation but I doubt there’s much you can do.

Entirely cruel. The RSPCA are shit for not doing anything (but then again they are shit full stop....)

Are the RSPCA that bad?

Try the dog warden? Or maybe Dogs Trust? Someone must be willing to help

The RSPCA have a whole bit on their website about how they can’t do anything about a dog being kept outside unless there is a welfare concern. I don’t have animals but I’d say bring out in this heat is a concern!

Next time you call the RSPCA say you are making a film abut dogs and get them there with the promise of a tv camera. They'll be there like a shot wankers

If it's not illegal the RSPCA cant do anything.
They are constantly criticized for euthanizing dogs that they cant rehome, and they only have so much money and so many legal powers.

Its the owners that are the problem.

The RSPCA are a charity and are limited in what they can do.

Do any of you actually donate to them?

No ShumpaLumpa I donate to the Dogs Trust and PDSA who are FAR better.

The RSPCA is a political campaign group. Tell them the dog is being used to hunt foxes and watch them swarm.

Well done. They're still charities though and don't have unlimited powers and resources.

I’ve had this exact same situation. The RSPCA said they could not enforce that the owners walked the dog (it was a German Shepherd that was never walked, ever, just kept in a tiny yard on a tiny chain) and that it’s perfectly legal to tether a dog and keep it outdoors. They also had the cheek to say they were relying on me now to keep an eye on the dog to ensure it was fed and healthy and if not to let them know.

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. We are going to attempt to speak to the owners (we have had brief contact before and they don't seem to be English speaking) I doubt anything will change which is just so frustrating!

The problem is the law. The RSPCA can only act if there's Considered to be a legal reason to do so. They can only access the property with the owner’s consent and cannot remove property (the dog) or access property without consent unless accompanied by the police and with legal grounds to do so.

They're Only ‘shite’ bbecayse they have to act within the law - they’re a charity not a legal enforcement agency

ShadyLady53 this is what they've just told us! "Keep an eye and let us know if the situation deteriorates".

Why is that a cheek? They cant see into people's back yards.

The Dogs Trust is quite good, they were helpful to us when we were concerned about a dog. I didn't find the RSPCA particularly helpful.

Poor little thing.

That's a horrible situation for a living creature to be in. I'd be sneaking in and untethering the poor little mite and adopting it!

I wouldn't speak to them, I’d wait until they were out then I’d go in and take it. I’d take it to one of the small, no kill, shelters as far away as possible and give them as much money as I could afford to, to look after it. Poor little mite.

....’Dog? What dog?’ 🤷🏻‍♀️

@farangatang believe me we’ve thought about it!

Unfortunately the RSPCA won't get involved if the dog has access to water and shelter, even if the dog is being, otherwise, kept in the cruel conditions as you describe.

Your best bet would be to contact your local dog warden who can keep an eye on things and monitor the situation.

Poor dog 😢

I fucking hate humans on times!

Hope you get a good outcome for the dog OP

You could go for the shame approach on any local FB pages.............

I don't know what you should do.

But with regards to intervening...our rescue dog came to us because the next door neighbour saw her being kicked and beaten (as a puppy :( ) and had the guts to go round there and say "if you don't want the dog then I'll have it."

To which he handed over the dog, the neighbour brought her to rescue and she lived 11 utterly blissful years with us.

I suppose what I'm saying is that intervention doesn't have to be confrontational.

I would LOVE to meet the neighbour who rescued our dog - and tell them what a wonderful and courageous thing they did and what a loved and happy life she had.

@CocoaGin70 we do have an FB page for the area but 1) I don't think they're on there from previous experience of bin day change announcements etc being ignored and 2) it is more of a lynch mob and I'd be terrified of being strung up!