Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

The house on our street is up for sale.The owner has since moved out.

He comes by in the morning to get his mail, and the lady that is with him, goes into the house for a bit. Then they leave. Sometimes he will show up at night, as well, just briefly.

The issue is this: they left their dog behind - and the dog barks non.freaking.stop.

The other day, 2 cops came and said someone complained of noise - barking. They asked us if we had any info. I told them the above info, but said that I had no idea that the dog barking constantly was THEIR dog (I thought it was the neighbor behind them). How awful.

I assume they had to move and wherever they are doesn't accept dogs.

The cops investigated, were there awhile, and left. The dog is still there, still barking.

I don't even care about the barking - not an issue for me, I just feel badly for the dog.

I am not sure if the dog is left outside or if there is a doggie door or what.

Is this even legal? The owners DO come to the house every morning.

What can be done? I'm sure the cops filed a report with whoever...and it seems nothing was done.

I think the dog is a collie.

Message edited 11/5/2010 2:15:42 PM.

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

That is awful !

Maybe you should call the SPCA. Or maybe if you know of any no-kill shelters (only one I know is North Shore).

eta: maybe x-post this on Pets. I'm sure someone there might have more info.

Message edited 11/5/2010 2:18:00 PM.

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

Call ASPCA. I think its illegal to do that! Hopefully they will charge them with animal cruelty

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

I would call local animal control and see what they recommend. That is so wrong to leave the poor dog there all by itself.

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

is it cruelty still if they show up once or twice a day?

i don't want to get people in trouble if it's not warranted, KWIM?

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

I think if food, water and shelter are provided it might not be animal cruelty. But maybe you can call an agency, pose the situation and ask if it is legal?

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

Maybe it's just temporary? Like they are fixing up where they currently live and the dog can't live in a mess? I hope...why not try to find out more?

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

I heard of a similar situation. Owner died and her adult children (who no longer lived there) didnt know what to do with the dog. No one wanted him. So they would just go by once or twice a day to let him out and feed him. This went on for about a year!!!

I called SPCA and they said that there was nothing they can do. As long as the dog is being fed and has shelter there is no law on how much time you have to spend with your animal.

Its just so cruel. Dogs are social animals. How can someone just leave t hem alone for all of those hours. It breaks my heart.

A relative finally took the dog I am talking about.

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

any updates? did you get to talk to them?

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

My mom has worked with a lot of collie rescues, I'm going to send her a link to the thread, maybe she has an idea of what to do or who to call.

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

any updates on the dog?

Re: Advice - dog left behind, owner moved?

I am pretty sure the dog has been removed. I haven't heard barking.
I hope it is with its owners