Is there anything I can do?

[hairyclaireyfairy]

We have new neighbours who have a dog who is left outside all day and night.
Poor thing is barking quite alot and whining whilst sitting by the closed back door.
We have informed environmental protection as the barking is particualy bad in the very ealy morning which is really disturbing us and other neighbours.
I feel so sorry for the poor dog, perhaps because our dog is such a big part of the family.
Is there anything else I can do or is it just a case of leave well alone?

Poor dog.

I suppose the obvious suggestion is to contact the RSPCA. As annoying as the barking must be my main worry would be about the dog itself.

Do you know if he has clean water at all times and is fed regularly? Do they not ever let him in the house or walk him?

I would call the rspca

what is the dog like
you could dognap him

If he has shelter and access to water the RSPCA will probably do sweet FA. (This is going on the conditions of a family of collies living in wooden kennels in a garden during the snow and -6 degree nighttime temperatures which I reported not so long ago, and similar conditions experienced by an old GSD which German Shepherd Rescue repeatedly reported.

However, please do try. Ask neighbours to do the same and friends too (sod the fact that they don't witness the situation, a white lie is not a huge sin, this dog needs help!).

And keep reporting to EH as they are more likely to help and can lean on the RSPCA a bit if necessary.

RSPCA unlikely to do anything - I know of a worse case than the one you mention, Val, and they are not interested

EH is your best option - get as many people as possible to complain, volunteer to have sound recording equipment in your house for a day or so ( although EH are required to tell the owner that the dog is being recorded ) and there's a chance the owner will change the situation to avoid a noise abatement order

Good luck.

Or make arrangements for the dog to "disappear" one night. If, oddly an absolutely identical dog appeared in the (far away) safety of an AR supporter's house/sympathetic rescue shortly afterwards it would be a huge coincidence, wouldn't it?

Do you know what I saw the poor dog sat on the step yesterday and thought about how sad it is and how he could have a lovely home here in our madhouse.
He seems in good condition though.
They should be getting a warning letter from eh soonish so hopefully this will be a kick up the arse for the owners.
Will keep you informed (and check to see if their back gate is locked )

Have you actually been and spoken to the neighbour about this - that would be the first logical step really.

Yes beautifulgirls it would be the first logical step, do you not think I have considered this?
I don't fancy getting into an argument with these people, they certainly do not appear approachable.
If they are prepared to let that poor animal bark day and night at the inconvience of others do you honestly think they are going to listen to me?
The steps I have taken have been advised by Environmental Health, they are the experts not me.

Poor dog and poor you. Ithought it was bad enough having a neighbours dog bark continuously when ever the back door opens. My dog must be so spoilt. she is asleep on a chalr in the lounge and she hates the rain!
Good Luck with EH

Unfortunatly there is little chance the authorities will do anything, apparently you don't need to pay any attention to a dog or walk it to keep it happy!

If you wanted to, maybe you could make out that you've always wanted a dog just like that and would they like to SELL him? ;)

If that fails, perhaps offer to walk him as your dog would love the company etc.

What a nice idea CountryGirl. Esp the selling bit - maybe they would be glad if they have genuinely made a mistake in thinking they could care or a dog. Poor creature. My pup has just been to the park and had a lovely time and is now crashed out in her bed. So sad for your neighbour's dog

If the dog has shelter and access to food and water and is in good bodily condition the RSPCA won't do anything. I'd ring the Dog Warden and get them out especially if the dog is whining/barking....and if needs be they will involve the RSPCA too.