Advice on neighbours dog…neglected.

[DoodleSquad]

Neighbour has lived next door for 2 years. Had this dog for last 14 months.

I’m home all day and never seen him be walked or played with.

Living in outside wooden kennel which is covered in his poo and has hardly any water.

Desperate for attention when I walk by him but shaking on approach.

Thr dog warden is not interested - not her job as it’s not lost or causing a nuisance!

RSPCA say as long as he has shelter and water it’s ok.

He’s been outside all this time during all the heatwaves and winter.

I want to rescue him and give him a home and love and the life he deserves.

What can I do?

(edited for spelling)

Anu update @DoodleSquad ?

Hello all.

i went to see the dog again last night - I have to be careful and sneak through a side gate.

He had no water at all so I filled his bowl up and gave him some Bonios.

The floor is still littered with his poo and the ivy is growing across his kennel sides and into the kennel itself. I’ve circled the dog in the 3rd photo - this was taken from the side of the kennel.

He doesn’t make a sound - even when my dogs are outside playing and barking he doesn’t make a noise 😢

I’ve called the RSPCA again today about the water issue and they have said they haven’t got an officer available as they are dealing with other severe neglect cases but there nothing they can do anyway! I asked about the lack of water and they said it’s not suitable for them at the present time!

Spaniel aid can’t help either.

I’m heartbroken. - other than kidnap the dog I’m at a loss what else to do. 😢

Heartbreaking!

The RSPCA cannot refuse to help surely, if the poor thing doesn't have water. Im in the North East but really hope someone rescues that dog by legal or illegal means. Its absolutely heartbreaking.

Because I’ve told them I’m making sure he has water (by trespassing) they said they can’t investigate. I’m fuming 😡

Can you tag them on X with the photos so everyone can see that they are refusing to help? If there was any chance of a film crew, they'd be there like a shot.

@DoodleSquad Tell them you are not comfortable trespassing as you are committing an illegal act. And yes tag them on social media.

Honestly I’d just take the dog at this point they are absolutely disgraceful human beings.

This is so sad, poor little chap. The RSPCA are useless. If l lived nearer I’d happily take him.

According to AI it can be escalated to police using the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Can you give them a call?

I would have to kidnap him and take the consequences, but that's just me. The dog is suffering and all that matters his saving him from the hell he's enduring.

Edited to add I wouldn't be at all surprised if the neighbours are continuing to neglect the poor dog because they know how much it upsets you.

OP this must be so frustrating and heartbreaking 😔 the temptation to steal him must be so strong! I would consider reporting to the police, surely neglecting an animal like this is a criminal offence?

@DoodleSquad. I take it they didn't respond to your letter? Would you be able to offer to buy him from them?

If you’re not getting caught trespassing and putting water and treats down, why don’t you just release the poor thing? No one will know. It is for the dog’s welfare!

Agree with this. I’d just do it and deal with any consequences tbh. It’s for the greater good, up to you

@DoodleSquad. What reason did Spaniel Aid give for not helping?

That he has shelter…

Spaniel Aid are not authorised to seize dogs (most animal rescue charities aren't) because they need legal powers to do so. They rely solely on owners seeking to re-home voluntarily.

I'm quite surprised they didn't sight that as the reason over 'he has shelter' given, legally, they cannot do anything.

Yes, Spaniel Aid couldn't seize the dog, but a lot of rescues will either contact the RSPCA themselves or contact the owner and offer to take the dog.

@LegalEagle23 we don't at ours and I know a few others that don't either.

Sadly, experience has taught us that owners get aggressive, including threatening volunteer members listed on the website (and tracking them down via social media) if we try and help. And the RSPCA are shit. There's a Golden Doodle mill near me that's been reported by practically everyone in the area given the conditions, and the RSPCA haven't done anything about it yet - and that's got easily half a dozen dogs in tiny crates that aren't let out other than to be bred.

The owners have to want to get rid of the dog. Otherwise you can risk making it even worse. It's a rather sorry state of affairs either way. Although not unsurprising that the sort of people who abuse animals are also the sort to threaten volunteers...

@DoodleSquad. Did you get a response from the council/Environmental Health?

That’s disgraceful of them. You’re ensuring his survival in this hot weather but unless you withdraw that, they won’t act? How long do they think the dog would last without water or food if you didn’t do it? Would they prioritise it then? (Sorry just frustrated on your behalf here - and I’ve got a spaniel just like that one and it breaks my heart to see him neglected like this.)

Could you flag with police? RSPCA don’t have authority to force entry and seize dog; they’d have to get a warrant so flagging with local community police that there’s an issue at least may get it on their radar/system.

Or contact your local councillor for your ward? Or parish councillor if appropriate. Just for advice and see what they advise.

Environmental health if they are not cleaning out his cage. In the heat it must surely be a hazard?

Is that how low the bar is? Dear God!!

This is making me cry. I cant bear it. Could you approach the neighbours personally? In case they didnt see your letter? I know i think you said you've had issues with them. But if you went and offered them money. I would contribute on go fund me.

@Bluebellsintheforest33. That is against Mumsnet rules. The post will be deleted if links to fundraising websites are posted.