Hi all, it's been a while since I've posted but could do with some advice after something that I witnessed today.
I went to see my mum and stepdad this afternoon with my two young DC. When I arrived my DM and DSD were out looking for their pet dog who had managed to escape (yet again) and they live near a very busy road so were quite frantic.
DM got back to the house followed a few mins later by DSD who was dragging the dog in by his collar, practically choking him by dangling him. He took him onto the shower room and was ther for about 10secs giving what I can only describe as a kicking. I heard the dog yelping and a few thuds. Stepdad returned to the kitchen were we were and told us breathlessly that he had had enough and he had kicked him and taught him a lesson.
I was horrified and felt sick and I went to the shower room to see if the dog was alright. I found him cowering under the sink, I went to pat his head, to try and reassure him, I don't know I just felt like I wanted to pick him up and cuddle him. My stepdad came back and I moved back into the kitchen as he gave him another 'kicking' and more yelping. He came back to the kitchen and said he'd hit him again because he had bared his teeth at my stepdad.
I was so upset and my mum must ahve noticed because she said 'I don't know why you're so upset', So I said to the both of them 'That was brutal, you don't treat a dog like that'
An arguement followed where they were adamant that they were correct and all trainers teach their dogs that way and what did I know.
I took my children and left in tears. I think it's disgusting and brutal and I feel shocked to the core that they could be so violent to a 'beloved' family pet, and in front of my children. I am especially upset with my mother, who trains her other dog, and is usually a gentle person, for condoning it! My father used to be cruel with animals and she would say this so I don't understand why she allows this.
I phoned up the RSPCA later on to ask their advice and they agree it is an offence and want me to give their details so that they can send an officer around to either 'educate' or 'prosecute'. They pressed me for their details and said talked about all the risks to the dog, and to the dog turning aggresive etc, which I wholeheartedly agree with but I am so scared to do it.
I hate my stepdad for what he is doing, and he's so self- righteous and sure of himself. I think it would do him good to be investigated with reagrds to this and be re-educated, and obviously protect this dog from having to expereince such violence everytime he escapes. My mum would never forgive me though. What am I to do? It breaks my heart.