How should I raise concerns about neighbour leaving dog in heat?

[TeenLifeMum]

Neighbour has a 6 year old cocker poo. He’s a cute dog but they do have phases if leaving him, which he hates. He is particularly bad in the heat a barking non stop/ howling. Last Summer I went and spoke to them after a particularly bad day - very hot and he barked for 6 hours. They initially took it badly and told me it was none of my business and they have a camera so know I’m lying… 2 days later they actually apologised and they’d watched the camera and realised I wasn’t lying and had someone come into him while they work.

Now it’s the heat wave and we’re back to stage one. I hate confrontation but that dog was really suffering yesterday. RSPCA won’t step in until 24 hours and they leave him for 10 so nothing can be done.

we have a dog and I know she howls when left more than 30 minutes (she’s still young but very needy - which is fine for us as someone is usually home and if not she goes to a sitter). I’m so frustrated I can’t help him. (He barks when left always but the barking like he’s suffering is in the heat).

If the RSPCA doesn't see it as a problem, I don't think you can do much about it.

Can you offer to have the dog at yours while they are out?

where is the dog?
alone in the house?

just brave it and tell them

You need to tell them again. They sound like callous owners. Try, for the sake of the dog.

Tell them again.

Do not offer to take the dog in.

Say you don't know what they did last summer but it worked and could they do it again.

The RSPCA won’t be interested unless the dog is actively being neglected (which means no shelter, water and nobody checking in for 24 hours).

A dog who is “just” barking is seen as a noise nuisance rather than anything else so you’d need to contact the council.

I’m not saying I agree with the above 👆 by the way, but that’s where the law stands.

I never understand why people get dogs and then act so cruelly towards them. Dogs hate being left, and that poor dog sounds horribly distressed. Does your local council have a dog warden? I'd be tempted to record the noise the dog is making and send it if you do.