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Need advice on how to handle this situation regarding animal neglect
The people who live behind me have 3 big dogs who look like boxers and one smaller dog who is some type of chuiaua mix I believe.
The 3 big dogs are outside all day long. I don't see the little dog much so I'm assuming they bring him inside. The 3 boxers though are out all day and night It doesn't matter if it's extreme heat, snowing, raining, etc. Every time I look outside they're out there and I have my curtains open all day so I'm constantly looking outside. They've had them and treated them this way for as long as Ive lived here (I've been here 2 years). It seems like they put them outside while they're at work, and once they're home they still don't bring them inside even at night. It's more rare for them to be inside honestly. I've woken up at 2 am to them barking. This isn't a noise complaint that I'm concerned about. These dogs sit by the door all day long and sometimes when it's cold they lay up and cuddle with each other I'm assuming for warmth and comfort.
These dogs don't seem aggressive in any way, but they play around like big dogs do and it sounds like they're fighting but when I've watched them I can tell they're just playing. There was a moment that it looked like one of them got hurt from them playing too much and the owners came out and separated them. I'm assuming that they are a bit territorial about their home understandably but also don't seem harmful at all.
I'm worried if I call animal control and put in some type of neglect complaint that they would get taken and put down. I haven't called before because personally I would hate for my animals to get taken away from me, I don't fully know their situation and I'm normally not one to judge but at this point after 2 years I believe it is straight neglect and these dogs deserve a better home. I just want them to have better living conditions and not be forced outside all day long.
Am I overreacting ? What do I do in this situation ? If they do get taken away do I have any authority to take them to a rescue place that I know for sure won't put them down ? Does anyone know what the process is after I make a call to animal control ?
I know laws can depend on state for that reason I'll share that I am in Colorado, I'd prefer to stay as anonymous as possible though.
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I'm not familiar with Colorado law, but going from UK law and what I've seen from US television programs on the matter, you'll probably find that the dogs are entitled to food, water, and shelter from the elements. It sounds like they're lacking the latter.
In most places when a report of neglect comes in an officer will visit the site. If the report is upheld the owner of the property will be advised on how to improve the conditions for the animals. They will be given a time period in which to make the improvements, and then must be able to demonstrate the improvements.
So the likelihood is that if you make a report your neighbours will be asked to erect a shelter for the dogs. Unless the animals are starving or have no water available it's unlikely that they'd be taken away.
I would advise to give Animal Control a call, at first to just ask what the conditions are that the dogs should be kept in. You might even be able to find the information on their website. If you're still concerned about the dogs being taken away look up some no kill shelters in your area and give them a call. Ask for their opinions / experience on what is likely to happen in these circumstances. If possible, arrange for one of these shelters to contact Animal Control themselves about the situation when they have the space for the dogs (just in case of confiscation).
Thank you for that information it definitely helps. I just personally I would hate for my animals to get taken away from me, I don't fully know their situation and I'm normally not one to judge but I feel like it's completely wrong. I personally am assuming they only go inside to eat, and idrk if I've seen any water out there I'm assuming and hoping they do, but I rarely see my neighbors out in the back with them so idk if they're filling it. Whenever it gets light out tomorrow I'll check though for sure.
I feel like they deserve better because watching them all day and watching them play and cuddle they seem like such good dogs. Because they're shorthaired, they play rough, and they are territorial, I'm worried that a shelter may perceive differently. Plus considering they're not cared for probably idk how they act around different people..
I'm definitely going to make the call, do you know how long it typically takes for an offer to check into the issues? Just so I can kinda give them a few weeks to see if they change before looking into calling shelters and such.
I couldn't say. I live in a different country. I imagine they visit them based on urgency. This isn't incredibly urgent unless you've got extreme weather at the moment. So I wouldn't imagine it would be a same day visit - but whether it is then days or weeks after the call I couldn't guess.
I would hate for my pets to be taken from me, too. Animal Control (and the like) only take pets as a last resort - shelters are inundated following covid, and it all costs money. Bare in mind also, though, that people who keep their dogs outside have a different kind of attachment to them than those who keep them indoors (usually). They might actually be relieved for Animal Control to turn up.
Thank you for the information It is definitely really appreciated and extremely helpful. I'll look into more laws and such online based on my area specifically and maybe post in a Facebook group about animals in my area.
I do very much appreciate it I'm going to make the call here after a bit more research so that way it can be the start to a better life for the dogs. Whether it's their parents getting their shit together or it's them finding a better home!
Regarding how you said that people who keep their dogs outside have a different kind of attachment to them than those who keep them indoors. What would you say from your experience is the difference in attachment? Would you say they don't feel attached to them much if any at all??
It'll vary from person to person of course, and I work with cats, but from visiting places with regards to cats I've noticed that those with dogs have different attitudes to their indoor dogs than their outdoor dogs (some have both). Indoor dogs are treated like cutesy babies given treats and cuddles, whereas outdoor dogs seem to be treated as if they're interchangeable. The fact that your neighbours feed the dogs indoors might indicate that the dogs just grew too big though.
Yes this is neglect. No you probably can't do anything about it.
I live in a similar situation where I'm open to witnessing two dogs being left outside in poor conditions with no regular access to shelter or even food or water sometimes. They often fight and have even suffered injuries were you can see maggots crawling out of their wounds.
I have tried rehoming them myself, owner said "no they are my property" We have tried calling animal control, but because the dogs are being fed once and a while, and live in a yard, they aren't considered a neglect case. For reference I live in California.
Basically unless those dogs are on the brink of death and about to collapse from starvation or the elements, animal control with often do nothing and ask you to "wait until it gets to that point" before trying to remove them.
You could try reaching out to a local rescue who will offer to buy them off the owner and rehome them, but there is no guarantee.