keeping dogs outdoors - advice plz!

[GroovyRach]

hello all

im really looking for a bit of advice please
cause i really dont know what to think.

i live in a flat (top floor) have been here for 2 and a half years. there is a comunal garden outside for everyone but the people on the ground floor have their own wee bit of garden. its small, could fit a small shed and maybe a table and 4 chairs (just to give you an idea). anyway, from my bedroom window i can see the garden of the people in the block behind me (hty are on the ground floor). the family have 2 dogs. a springer spaniel and a bull dog from what i can see. my concern is that the dogs seem to be left outside all day and quite possibly all night. they both seem to be sitting on the back step from the moment i wake up til the time i go to bed. there is a shed in the garden but im unsure if they r put in this at night. ive never seen them be taken out for a walk and when its rainin, they hide under the kids trampoline. i understand that dogs can stay outside even though i dont like it but these dogs never seem to get any excersise. the small garden isnt enough in my opinion. ive came very close to phoning the rspca about it, especially when i look out to them, its pouring with rain and they r both sitting huddled up on the step.

maybe im just being silly but im an animal lover and would never dream of this. to me, if your going to keep animal you treat them with love and care!

very interested to hear what all you dog people think of this!

thanks!

I agree with you - I wouldn't keep dogs like that but it may be that their owners just aren't being cruel enough for the RSPCA to intervene. Might be worth a call to check, though.

thanks, i might give them a call and ask their advice. with it coming into winter and getting cold at night, i hate to think of those dogs being left outside!

A springer needs LOADS of exercise, I mean at least an hour running off the lead per day - I think a call to RSPCA also.

yes, this is exactly what i thought whitefish. my friends have a springer spaniel and are always saying how much running around they need.

a girl i used to work with lived above the family in question (small world eh!) for many years and said the springer has been there since she was so im guessing it must be atleast 10 years old. she had no idea about the other dog though. she hasent lived there in maybe 5 years so i guess its maybe not as old as the springer.

as i type this the 2 of them are just wandering around