Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

There's a 'homeless couple' that I pass almost every day on the way to work and they have a dog with them always. Now, I know they may not be homeless and just be beggars but assuming they are actually homeless, is there a law that prevents them from keeping a dog? I mean, I would think there would be but I want to be sure. I really want to call the ASPCA on them and have them take the dog away but at the same time, what if they take it to a kill shelter

Help!!!

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

I don't know about laws not allowing the homeless to have pets, but I don't think shelters allow them. I have seen homeless people keep them for sympathy- they get more $ with a cute critter. There was also a homeless guy with a dog by Petco who was often given dog food, and I saw him eating it one day.

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

Why would you want to take someone's animal away from them - regardless of the fact they are homeless, that's still their companion .

A few years ago, I passed a homeless man on the street with a cute little beagle. He was there every day when I passed him. One day I called ASPCA bc I was concerned for the welfare of the animal (the man too, but there's only so much we can do). They told me they cannot help unless the animal is sick or in danger, which it was not. It is still his pet and he probably feeds it more than he eats himself, they told me. Even if a person is homeless, they still have a right to keep a pet. Think about their life - that's their friend. At work now, we have a man that sits outside my building with 2 ferrets - yes ferrets! And he has food and everything for them. I feel bad of course, but I just could never take them away.

Although these people may be down on their luck, I'm sure they watch over and keep their pets safe just like we do. Do you know what I mean?

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

Posted by MrsTC

Why would you want to take someone's animal away from them - regardless of the fact they are homeless, that's still their companion .

One day I called ASPCA bc I was concerned for the welfare of the animal (the man too, but there's only so much we can do).

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

There was a homeless man in my neighborhood for years with the cutest little mutt. He took care of that dog better than he took care of himself. Whenever we would pass him, the dog would be sitting in his shopping cart on top of bags eating a can of dog food. I cant say that I wasnt concerned at first but whenever we saw him, the dog was sooooo loved, fed and seemed happy with its owner.

I understand what your saying but sometimes those dogs adore their owners. This dog would growl at people who came too close to the homeless man, it was obvious he loved this man to death.

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

Posted by Leeners

Posted by MrsTC

Why would you want to take someone's animal away from them - regardless of the fact they are homeless, that's still their companion .

One day I called ASPCA bc I was concerned for the welfare of the animal (the man too, but there's only so much we can do).

For the exact reason you stated above There are two homeless people here AND a dog. Call me cynical but I'm thinking the dog might be last on that food chain.

But if they won't do anything, that's my answer - thanks.

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

Please dont do it!
Believe it or not, but homeless people take better care of their dogs than they do themselves. This is true too.
I know if something happened to me and i ended up homeless and someone tried to take m dogs away i would probably kill myself literlly because they are all i have.

i used to think the same way, "how can they take care of their dog" but turns out they really can. if you notice, im sure the dog is really healthy looking and not skinny or anything.

my frined knew a friend who went homeless and her dog still came before her.

please dont call the aspca.

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

As per my later post, if they're not going to do anything, I'm not going to call. But also as per my other post, there are three homeless entities here and, no offense, but you guys didn't see this particular dog. He's constantly lethargic and I've never seen them give him anything more than water. Now that it's getting cold out, I think these people could let go their selfish instincts and give him up to have a better life, but that's JMO.

Re: Are there laws against homeless people keeping pets (dogs, specifically)?

That's a tuff one....

There is a guy by my sisters job that has THREE dogs..and believe me when I say it...they are WELL taken care of.

My sister one time bought him some food...he took ONE bite and split the rest up for the dogs. He does this all the time.

BUT I can see what you are saying if the dog looks like it's in bad condition.


That is sad just thinking about it...not all homeless people are not able to take care of themselves...they just can't afford a house or rent...but make enough spare change for food.