A poor little dog in distress
I was in the garden this afternoon hanging out the washing (which I had to take in again as it started to rain - GRRRR), when I heard what sounded like a child crying really badly. I went out to see what was going on, thinking a nipper had been hurt. In the back garden of a neighbour, I saw a little scrap of a lurcher type dog tied up and crying it's little heart out :cry: It started raining, and as I was fratically gathering up my washing, I realised, the poor dog was still outside and still just as upset. It's now 11.30pm and the poor little thing is still outside, howling. I don't know these people and they don't look very approachable, so I don't know what to do :( Call me a coward, but I'm not going to go and bang on their door... Should I contact the RSPCA, or should I wait and see if the dog settles down? Obviously they are not planning on having the dog living in their house, but the garden in TINY and the dog is tied up at the moment... Please could you give me some advise?

Oh dear, how awful. I think you can call in the RSPCA in confidence. Even if they don't think the dog is being ill-treated - which can be a matter of opinion :( judged on whether it has water and shelter - the very fact of them going round to speak to the owners might be a shock to the people who have left the poor dog tied up and crying for hours. The new animal welfare legislation may also come into play... I'd also keep a note of how long you heard the dog crying for and when, just in case you are asked to provide examples of the scale of the problem. Good luck

Re: A poor little dog in distress
How is the situation now ?

The dog has a little shelter in the garden (which is nowhere big enough for any dog - let aone a lurcher). He's still out there tied up, but he is not howling anymore. The poor baby just looks worn out and really tired.

Maybe you could just cal the RSPCA for a chat and some advice - without having to make a formal report or complaint...? I know these situations are so awful and upsetting.

Poor dog. The Dog Warden should also be able to help so might be worth making a call. Lucy xx

We were faced with a very similar situation years back - our neighbours a beautiful Ridgeback named Luke. He was left in the garden while they cleared off for hours on end. There was a nasty storm one day and he was terrified. My hubby tried to put Luke in our garage so he was in the dry and warm but Luke was so petrified, he turned on my hubby. I called the RSPCA twice that day - they did nothing! :evil:

Wait until it's dark, creep round there and rescue it. Find it a decent home and deny all knowledge!! I know it's awful and illegal but that's what I'd do - sorry did I mention I'd also put a big scratch along the side of the owners car! Can't stand cruelty of any type and I'd like the put the owners in the dogs situation for a few weeks. Now you can see why I only worked voluntarily for the RSPCA for 2 weeks - after crying every day I realised I was more of a hindrance than help!

Did it get resolved? I would have phoned the RSPCA,they would have checked if the shelter was the right size etc..Ive had to ring them before and that was about a family members dog :roll: Luckly in that case all turned out to be well!

Sorry for the lack of updates - school hols and a nasty summer cold seems to have taken up a fair bit of my time... The dog is not there anymore - it went back to it's owners. I don't know under what sort of circumstances the dog lives at home, but he was with the neighbours while his owners were on holiday. Unfortunately I haven't a clue where the owners live, but I will attempt to talk to the woman who 'looked after' the dog and find out.