Dogs outside

[Barmaid]

My friend has just called me to say that her neighbour has gone away for a fortnight and she has left her four dogs in their kennels. We have no idea if anyone is going in to feed and walk them (my friend is out all day), but the poor so and sos are just howling - she has tried to get in to check, but the gate is locked. I reckon it must be cruel (they are usually house dogs) at this time of year since surely their water and food will freeze? Apart from anything else, it's ******* cold out there. Personally I think she should phone the RSPCA but I am not a dog person (cat person, me) and probably shouldn't interfere. I sure as hell don't like my cats left out when it is cold (but will let them out if they ask - bet your life they ask to come back after 5 minutes!). What do others think? Should my friend just leave well alone? Neither of us can bear to think of the dogs being so cold though. There is a german shepherd, a spaniel of some sort and two labs.

[kita1]

You could try the RSPCA they may check that the dogs have food, water and shelter, but cannot do much else by law.

Are they howling at night?

Someone is probably going in to feed and water them, but I would get either the RSPCA or your local Dog Warden (get in touch through the Environmental Health Dept. at the local council offices) to check on them. But I would do this first thing tomorrow as after that you will not get alot of joy out of anyone!

The dogs will probably be fine, after all if you put your dogs into Boarding Kennels over this period they would be outside all day and only have a heat lamp at night! If they have each other and blankets in the beds they will be OK.

Good on you for caring though!

[kita1]

If you want to see if anyone is going in to see to the dogs why not put a piece of sellotape or cotton across the gate? If it is broken when you return, then someone has obviously been in.

Other than that you could pin a notice on the gate asking if anyone is taking care of the dogs, but this could let them know that it is you if you later report them to the RSPCA etc.

[craigiep]

Dear Barmaid. Please, please, please have this situation reported immediately. Do not hesitate one second more.
I'd have these heartless owners put down. Dogs deserve the very best in life and nothing less.

[gelda]

Did you find out anything about the dogs Barmaid?

[Barmaid]

My friend went round there yesterday. She couldn't hear them so she called them. No reply. We think therefore that they must only have been left a couple of days and someone has been and collected them. Certainly there has been no more howling or barking. Fingers crossed, they will have a Happy Christmas too!!

[kaylamay]

If i were you i would contact the authorities immediately. You cannot take the chance that she has made arrangements for their care, and what if that person(if there is one) flakes and does not come? The authorities will check to see if there is proper care being given and if there isn't they will(i hope) take the poor dogs and fine that woman when she comes back.
You and your friend are now aware of the plight of these animals and have a responsibility to make sure all is well with them. They cannot care for themselves and will be relying on you and your friend to save them. Even if she has someone to check in on them what if they flake one day and decide not to come? The thought that indoor dogs have now been relegated to the winter outdoors for 2 weeks while their caretaker vacations just boils my blood.
You and your friend are obviously good kindhearted people to worry so over them so please get the authorities to check on the dogs so they are aware of their situation and condition. If it were me i would have to make sure they were being taken care of for my own peace of mind or I take them and care for them myself and then give that woman a piece of my mind when she returned(and she better not come back with a tan!).
Good Luck and remember these poor doggies are counting on some kind souls to take care of them in the way their precious little selves deserve.
Mikala(aka, Cat Woman)

[Barmaid]

The dogs have gone - they went before Christmas. On Boxing Day I was there and we both went round there to be absolutely sure. There was definitely no dogs - the kennels were open and empty (if only you could have seen us in the dark, with a torch, me climbing up the fence, balanced on an old crate!). Someone must have come and collected them.