I am currently facing a challenging situation. Following our separation (over 5 yrs ago), my ex-husband acquired a dog (less than a year ago), and a few months ago, he requested that our son (14yrs) take care of the dog while he was looking for a new place to live. This was never meant to be a permeant solution to the situation.
However, he has since found a place that doesn’t allow pets. The dog was left in my home, and my ex-husband has consistently ignored my messages trying to resolve the issue. He was informed that I can’t take care of the dog because I have a full-time job, three other dogs, as well as two teenage children. Additionally, he’s aware of my ongoing health issues.
The dog is a medium to large breed that can be aggressive and has snapped at me on several occasions. I also have videos of him being aggressive with my children. As a result, he must be confined to a room when my sons or I have visitors over because he’s tried to attack them before.
I reported the situation to the pound/ dog warden, but they said they couldn’t take custody of the dog because it has a microchip. They told me that the owner must surrender it. They also said this is a civil matter and they can’t legally intervene.
I contacted the Gardaà because the dog’s aggressive behavior poses a safety risk, and I can’t take care of it at home. However, they said they couldn’t help and would refer the matter to the pound.
The dog warden contacted me again and reiterated that this is a civil matter and they can’t take the dog because of its microchip and the requirement for its surrender. They only handle stray animals and surrendered dogs, and the Gardaà shouldn’t have forwarded this to them for a follow-up.
I am afraid of the dog and it's difficult for me to provide adequate care. There has been no offer of a solution from the dog warden, only to get my ex to surrender the dog. At this time, this is not a viable option as he is not replying to me.
Online research suggests contacting the Gardaà or dog warden for assistance with aggressive dogs. However, I’ve reached out to both, but they’ve informed me that they can’t help me.
I cannot believe that a person can leave a dog with another person, and because they are not a stray there is no support if the dog is microchipped. I’m at a loss and have exhausted all my options.
Has anyone any ideas on this that could help. I cannot afford to go down the legal route at this time.