The house I live in backs onto a notoriously run-down area, and all that that can sometimes mean. There is an access road in between the end of my garden and the rear of the houses there; the Council avoid doing much, and there are many different landlords for them to deal with, which is their excuse for the official neglect.
There are all sorts of worries - including ASB of different kinds (the streetlights were replaced by taller ones a month or so ago for this reason, the Council told me), but I have learnt to in general, keep my nose out, as there are always repercussions.
I can often hear a dog at this particular property, pitifully bark-crying, on and off throughout the day and sometimes into the night. It is by definition a "noise nuisance", BUT, I am more concerned for it's welfare.
Earlier today I saw a large caramel coloured Greyhound type alongside the fence of this property. It was not going anywhere, but let out the occasional bark. Then I realised that there was another one trying to get over the fence (6' I think) to what must have been it's housemate. The one who was "free" had a long line on ?him - and all I could think was how easily he could have become entangled and effectively hung himself.
I went round - and I NEVER go onto that road - in my car and did a Police-knock on the door. Eventually it was answered and the owner, when told, rushed to the dog, and heaved him back over the fence. (which also indicated to me that there was no quick release on whatever the dog was attached to). Meanwhile, two others peered through the open front door, and one of them wandered out and down the side to see what the fuss was, meaning at least four big dogs there.
I have worried about this situation since then - and have a terrible worry that I will look out of my window sometime soon and the dog will just be hanging there.
I am sure talking to the owners would get me nowhere, or worse - and there is a gap between RSPCA involvement and the Dog Warden that this situation would fall into..... as they ae housed and I guess fed and watered, although left alone and ignored outside in the yard far too much to be considered good care.
Ugh, I must have seen to much Animal Cops Houston (or wherever...), and just wish there was some way that these dogs could be made safe and cared for properly!