Urgent help needed

[SemiCharmedQuark]

My neighbor has a dog that is horribly underfed and unloved. He's had her for years, she was his wife's I think. His wife died. He NEVER lets the dog in and in Chicago weather, that's brutal. However, when I called the humane society, they told me that when the contacted him, he said the dog "doesn't like being inside, so there's nothing he can do." The only shelter she has is a hole she dug for herself. Now he has stopped giving her water. Again, I called the humane society, but they refuse to get involved.

I know there are other rescue organizations and I need their names. Please, if you know any, please please let me know.

[Maru Kitteh]

1. My first thought is keep calling them and the police as well

There are laws on the books about animal abuse no? Have you offered to adopt the dog? Do you know anybody that could adopt her? Try appealing to what his wife would have wanted. If he's too embarrased or defensive in person a letter under the door maybe?

If it's really bad, maybe someone could help you rescue her at about 3 in the morning or so?

Poor baby.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

5. He's a sadistic bastard who takes pleasure in the pain he causes the dog

The only time he goes outside to see her is to beat her.

He has had the dog confiscated by the vet once, but he paid the fee to get her back. I doubt he would give her up, since the fee was at least 300 dollars. What had happened was that he had 2 dogs at one point, Princess and another dog. Princess is incredibly sweet despite years of mistreatment and neglect. THat's rare. The other dog was understandably wary of people. Anyway, somehow the dog got out and bit someone. Of course neither dog had their rabies or distemper vaccs. so they were sent to the vet for the required 10 day confinement.

My grandma has been giving her water and food across the fence. She also gives her bones and blankets. But our neighbor LIKES hurting the dog and he doesn't like anyone else trying to help her. I have considered offering him money for her, but I really doubt he'd take it. Someone that pays 300 dollars to get their dog out of confinement only to leave her outside malnourished, cold, dirty and dehydrated is cruel for reasons other than cost. If I offer him the money, any action I can get taken against him by other organizations will point directly to me. He's vindictive and I wouldn't put anything past him.

I am unsure why the HS is so reluctant to help. Perhaps they are full or perhaps he's friends with one of them. Unfortunately it's out in the sticks (kind of) and it is not unusual for people to have their dogs outside chained to cement blocks all day.

[Lorien]

13. That's truly bizarre (that they won't get involved)

animal abuse cases like that make the local news headlines down here (and this is f*cking FLORIDA)! My father worked for the state prison system as a psychologist for a number of years, and he says that most local police take abuse cases against animals very seriously today, since the abusers have the potential to become felons (murderers, rapists, child abusers, etc). What have the police said about this? Is there another branch of the Humane Society that you could speak to?

I'm so glad that you are fighting for this poor creature!

[Maru Kitteh]

2. Did you speak to the director of that HS?

I would go right up the line until I was promised action. What are they doing there if they are unwilling to help an animal that's being systematically abused and now dehydrated?

[Warpy]

3. Call the cops, animal control, and the SPCA

one of them needs to help the poor critter.

[smbolisnch]

4. Bug the hell out of them.

What purpose is your local HS serving if not to help abused animals? If you pursue the issue with them, someone is bound to take action. Please let us know what happens!! Good luck!

[Robeson]

6. Call the local media, if thats what it takes. Do whatever you can...

...to save this dog, and help its quality of life. Also, do what others have said. This guy sounds like a complete scumball.

On edit: Also go to the Pets thread. I know there are some people over there who have connections and resources that may be able to help you.

[Piperay]

7. Isn't there someway to steal the dog?? uh uh I mean RESCUE of course.

Really...I would either 'rescue' it myself or find someone who will. If the dog is outside all the time and the guy goes to work or sleep there must be someway to 'rescue' it from that yard.

[flvegan]

8. Chicago, right?

I think that there's an Animal Defense League chapter in Chicago. They might know somebody who'll help.

Chicago doesn't have a police-type of animal control, or is the humane society the law enforcement for critters?

If you've escalated as far as you can, I'm with Piperay...liberate her. I keep boltcutters in my trunk for just these times. The guy has to leave sometime. Just make sure you have a place for her to go. It's NOT stealing, it's being a hero.

First, take pictures. Then take dog. Then, at the next monthly/yearly meeting of the humane society and their membership, show up with the pictures and slap them down on the table the Board is sitting at. Show them that they can't drop the ball. They can't ignore what they're supposed to protect.

That being said, if you just can't bring yourself to personally perform the liberation, PM me, and I'll send an e-mail to a couple folks in the area. Independents, but very, very good folks...

[livinginphotographs]

9. I'm with Piperay and flvegan.

As long as you've got a good home for the dog lined up, to hell with this guy.

I remember you posting about this before, and it seems to have escalated since then. Thing how bad it could get if he's allowed to keep the dog.

Good luck.

[CrispyQ]

10. What the hell is wrong with your Humane Society?

I would call the Director of the local HS & tell them you are going to the media if they continue to do nothing.

I agree with everyone here who said to rescue that pup-dog. My heart breaks just reading this thread. Please let us know what happens, ok?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

11. Update:

I'm going to head out there pos. tomorrow and take pictures of her and her conditions. She's basically just a ball of mud and tangles. I'll try once more at the police and the HS. If they still don't do anything, I guess I'll go from there.

[flvegan]

12. Snazzy! You go, SCQ!

Good looking out for that dog...