Animal Welfare - For clarity - I know I’m not being unreasonable!

[DearDarcy]

Hi, I don’t know what I am expecting I just needed somewhere to write this down as it’s been eating me up for days and I haven’t stopped crying, there’s only so much partner and family can say! ( sorry I’m advance for the long post) I’ve posted in AIBU as I thought this may get more online traffic!

I have recently started a new job, let’s just say it’s community work.

My first day and first call was a partially able bodied person. She has 2 dogs, one of which is matted TO HELL , he is constantly itching and scratching and looks so uncomfortable!!! The other one is overweight and smells so so bad and can’t breathe properly!!! They are not taken for walks, and the lady has previously had a complaint made due to the appalling mess that was there. (Dog faeces all over the floor)
This isn’t the only house like this, since I started a week ago there is 3 very much in a similar condition and living amongst what only can be described as hoarders houses.

I have asked colleagues if I am able to do something about this, they have both basically said no as I am there to care for the human not the dogs… and that it is down to family and friends to do something about it as they are of ‘sound mind’

I cannot sit back and visit these houses daily where this is happening. It is unfair to the poor animals and it’s quite frankly not safe for people visiting.

I have been absolutely distraught every day and even thought about quitting yesterday, but if it wasn’t for me going there I would not be in this, quite frankly lucky position to be able to report it or change it so I cannot leave these animals and turn my back to it.

• I have also spoke to my manager about this, who has basically told me that we have a job to do, and we just have to not think about it as soon as we leave and not get emotionally attached as they chose to live their life this way and we cannot be seen to be judging and that I will get used to it and build up a resilience ….

Does anyone have ANY advice on this?

thank you xxx

Can you anonymously report to the rspca? If the animals are not being cared for...

Anonymously report to RSPCA. Whether they will actually do anything about it…….

I do dog walking and sitting and the squalor some people allow their animals to live in is just horrendous.

I have thought about this, but I have talked about it so much to colleagues and people around me they would 💯 know it came from me. I also don’t know if the RSPCA would do anything as from previous experience as long as they have ‘shelter’ and ‘food and water’ nothing is done. :(

If you've talked about it so much, putting it online like this is ill advised for a start

And, I don't mean to sound harsh, but you really need another job. This job is taking too much of an emotional strain on you. You shouldn't be coming home and giving work this much headspace.

Anonymous report to RSPCA and then you've done what you can.

Trust me I did think this but I did it anyway.
I really enjoy the job, it’s rewarding, I get to meet very lonely people that otherwise wouldn’t have a lot of contact with the outside world etc. it’s just this side of it I am really really struggling with.

I am a very empathetic person by nature and always go above and beyond for anyone! My family would argue too much sometimes.

This is just something I cannot sit by and watch continue but at what cost.. I don’t know at this point.

I'm absolutely staggered at the response from your managers. I know you are there to tend to the humans but that surely doesn't mean you must ignore the suffering of other living things in their domain. What if you were witnessing wilful and appalling cruelty? Would they ask you to suck it up because it wasn't part of your job. They sound like the Nazi party telling you to "only obey orders". I really could not tolerate this. The RSPCA in my experience are useless but I would call them anyway for what it's worth. Not cleaning an animal and allowing it to be infested with fleas is classed (not surprisingly) as neglect. You could also phone environmental health. What does it say in your job contract? I can't believe they could bar you from reporting animal neglect and I think you'd have a case for unfair dismissal if it came to that. I really could not turn a blind eye to this.

You have to report it . Please.

The rspca will actually help. They can supply vouchers and arranged vet appts to help

Hiya op, if l was in your position l would report it, there’s no way like you, l could ignore a dog any animal, who’s being neglected, left in pain.Report it anonymously, your employer can’t do anything about this, because they’d have no proof, l imagine you’re not the only person visiting this property.Also, is this just their opinion, that animal cruelty can’t be reported! is it in your work contract.

I agree with ginasevern. I think your manager's response is absolutely appalling. No one should ignore the suffering and neglect of animals just because their primary concern is with humans. Definitely report it to the RSPCA. I am sure they will do something.

Oh god those poor animals! Can't believe your managers have that attitude. You should absolutely report. I wonder if the council can get involved? Are there any charities you could signpost your client to? I know there are some dog walking charities out there for people who are elderly or ill for example, think one is called cinnamon but not sure if still around. And maybe find out what the barrier is to them getting vet help - financial or they just need someone to take the dog themselves - then see if you can find any help? Horrible position for you to be in, I'd not be able to get over seeing that either.

RSPCA.

Neglect is a priority for them. They deal with lots of hoarders and many are also people who self neglect as well as neglect their pets, so they will know how to handle this.

Thank you for all of your responses!

I will have a read of my contract and see if there is anything in there which allows me to speak up/report. But from what my manager has said (don’t get me wrong she was kind of sympathising with the ‘aww bless you, not nice to be upset’ but the undertone was very much a ‘ leave it at the door on your way out’) which is the part I am finding extremely difficult.

I don’t know at the moment where the line is as it’s a new job and I’m still finding my feet, but I have dropped hints already to the person about the fact you can get mobile groomers etc who will come out to the house if mobility is an issue. I just want to say to them, I will come take them for a walk in my own time and bath them!!!!! But again this probably would not be allowed! It’s such a tough place to be!

ALSO, she has family and children, what on earth are they playing at?!!! I would never ever let my mum and dogs live in that situation!

The more I talk about the more wound up I get!

@DearDarcy The reason why you’re doing the role that you do, is because you’ve got a caring disposition, how anyone would think it’s ok for you to ignore animal neglect and just carry on doing your job, is just unethical.I understand this is a new job and you’re trying to approach this in the best way, l wonder whether citizens advice might be an option, to get some professional advice.If not report anonymously