I've had a transmission line-relocation project for a couple of years now in a very urban-industrial area. Pretty typical...high crime, bad 'hood, lotsa fences with concertina.
There's a shop area on this project that has big fences and a big dog. We all have become accustomed to referring to this parcel as the "Rottweiler Parcel". He's a big boy and very good at his job as "watch dog". We've never been able to stake the new R/W across this area because of the locked gates and "Gooboy", as we refer to him.
The crew just got back from a short "additional info" trip out there. Seems as though the dog is suffering a bit. He's always been a very healthy and attentive 'adversary' to anyone around his fence, but apparently he's ailing now.
From what the crew described he's emaciated, visibly ill and losing fur on his backside..(mange?)..
I don't know what sort of "business" these folks are into (don't care...), but I think if the poor fella is hurting he needs attention. I don't have any contact info on the owner. The shop is always closed up and no one seems to ever be around.
Would you call Animal Welfare? I think I might, even though I generally like to keep my snoot outa other peep's biz.
i believe it would be the right thing for Gooboy to anonomously(sp) contact the ASPCA and let them handle it
The dog has no-one else to speak for them. Call the county animal unit to investigate, then they make the call.
If you do not wish to be involved contact me with an address and I will make the call! But it will be difficult for the SPCA and the dog may be put out of misery. They will contact owner first I believe.
At one of our homes we had a neighbor that had a similar type dog. Every time we opened a door or window the dog barked. We couldn’t be in our back yard without that dog barking incessantly.
One day I bought 5 pounds of the cheapest hot dogs I could find. Every time I went outside I threw a hot dog over the fence. Within a week the neighbor’s dog was a slobber monster; Now, every time we opened a door or window the dog slobbered. We couldn’t be in our back yard without that dog slobbering incessantly. ?
Other than that, call animal control.
Since you need into the area anyway, why not find out who pays the taxes on the property and give them a call. You might find out whether a renter has abandoned the dog, and you might get access to do your work.
Otherwise, yes you should make the phone call to the animal control people.
In the meantime, you could throw a half a pound of dog food over the fence.
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> I don't have any contact info on the owner. The shop is always closed up and no one seems to ever be around.
I would put some strong effort in finding the owner first, probably the best way to help the dog long term. Maybe the owner cares a lot. we just don't know from here
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> Would you call Animal Welfare?
Yes, but it could end up in a pound or snuffed rapidly... I really depends on the local system.
I know what I would do because I've done it. Call animal control, tell them the details, and then follow up with a favorite council member who will make sure animal control acts.
DITTO.... Bruce has this right.... !!
mho... screw the owner, they let the dog get this way to begin with!
IF, local animal control stalls out, hit the internet
and find a local Rotty Rescue group and sic them on them.
I for one have no patience for abusive animal "owners"...
From what you've described, it sounds like the dog will die if you don't do something. He might die anyway, but he shouldn't have to suffer.
Some time ago, may have been several years, we had a local news item that sounded similar. Initially everyone was down on the owner with the news media charging neglect. Once local authorities got involved they found out the owner had fallen or gotten sick away from home. No local family members with access to the property. Family from out of town did not have knowledge that the animals even existed or were also unable to care for the animals.
When you get all the details the situation may not be what it appears now. You may end up doing the owner as well as the animal a favor.
I like that hot dog idea. Regardless of the outcome, it sounds like doggie needs some food and water. And a friend.
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