Need some input here

[gategrrl]

Okay. By now, most of you have heard about the Wackadoo Neighbors, people who have had the worst run of luck I've ever heard of in my life. As I've said before, they're *nice* people, but on a lot of fronts, clueless, and I think they're overwhelmed by a lot of what life's throwing at them.

Two or three days ago, the Husband was driving their new model minivan in a parking lot. His little son (Little Guy's friend) was in the backseat. He was driving in a parking lot, and now the corner of the minivan is crushed in, bumper's hanging down, and both air bags were blown out from the impact. Fortunately neither he nor his son were injured, except for a few bruises. Okay, bear with me, this does connect with the Real Issue I need some input and advice on.

On another front, Mermaid told me tonight about the Wackadoo Neighbor's dogs, puppies really, since they're all under one year old. Three males, one female. The female recently gave birth to puppies herself, apparently. Mermaid said she hadn't seen the new puppies herself, but that the Older Son (her age) had told her about it, and that the new puppies (2 of them?) were getting puppy milk, etc. I have noticed that I didn't hear about this directly from the Neighbor. I suspect she knows I wouldn't find this a good development.

Here's the issue. These are half-Pitbull puppies. They are being allowed to interbreed without check. They have strong jaws because of their breeding. I am NOT saying that they ARE vicious...merely that they are UNTRAINED and undisciplined and I have NO IDEA how much socialization they are currently getting now that they have grown beyond the "adorable little puppy" stage. Do you know what I mean? The Wackadoo Neighbors have already lost two dogs, including these dogs' mother, by not tying them up, and having the dogs run away.

I think it might be possible for one or more of these undisciplined dogs to get out of the backyard, bite a person, mangle another dog, get hit by a car, get killed by the huge Staffordshire "terrier"* down the street, or worse.

I am worried about these dogs, and I'm worried about their welfare and the welfare of the hapless who might come across one or more of them, should any of them get out. I'm also worried about the welfare of the Neighbor's young son, who is just the right size for the dogs to knock down and scratch up. (as happened with MY son)

But since these Neighbors just had this huge car wreck thing, and they're obviously having a hard time and they keep getting hit with bad-stuff --- I'm torn. I don't want them to get fined for having a kennel. Four dogs or more is a kennel in LA. I just want those dogs neutered and taken CARE of (as in, not put to sleep, but placed with responsible owners!). I don't want to knock these people when they're already down. Should I call the dog officer of LA County, or talk to her myself before something truly bad happens to either a human or the dogs?

Help! Maybe I'll wait a week or two until things calm down over there. ARrrrgh!


* Terrier my ass - this dog at least 75 pounds of muscle and bone and territorial - he is enormous compared to the breed standard.

Comments

[meyerlemon.livejournal.com]

Ack! You poor girl! That's a weird situation for you to be in.

Do you feel that your relationship with the family would withstand you going over and chatting honestly with the mom about your concerns? Maybe you can phrase it so that it sounds like you're concerned about her-- "I just found out that 4 dogs is a kennel, and they can fine you! Did you know that?" or something.

If not-- I empathize with the family's issues and all, but you have *your* family to think of, first. So if can think of a way to call animal control or whatever without it tracing back to you, or if you don't care if it does, I'd do that.

And I don't think it's at all weird of you to be concerned that pit mixes are being allowed to breed unchecked. They're dogs who need a lot of training to be safe around kids, and I think it's perfectly okay, if you're comfortable with that, to present your concerns in that light.

Just my 2 cents! :)

[jennixen.livejournal.com]

"I just found out that 4 dogs is a kennel, and they can fine you! Did you know that?"

What a perfect quote! :D Yes, this is what you could say to them.

But you know, to me with that dog experience I have and especially with terriers, it doesn't sound good.

A terrier in general is a big responsibility. IMHO.
And pitbull breeds can be difficult if you don't raise them properly, however that goes for all dogs.
I've seen vicious labradors and golden retrievers that bite because they haven't been properly raised and trained.

Talk to them first, then call the proper authorities.
I don't think these people can have dogs if they've lost two dogs already!
I mean, I've never heard about anything like that from a responsible owner.
No, really. A responsible owner just doesn't "lose" their dog. It can get stolen or lost in the woods, but you just don't lose it from your home. Sure, an accident can happen...but it doesn't sound like this to me.

But you have to decide. ;)

[amycooper.livejournal.com]

Touchy situation.

You might want to try to talk about them about it first. There are dog training programs. We had a very stubborn and difficult to train Golden Retriever when I was a kid, so we took her to doggie training classes. It teaches the dogs to be obedient and the owners how to control their dogs. Look up a program in your phone book or ask a vet. They will know. Then you can say in conversation. "I know you have your hands full with your adorable dogs. I overheard about this dog training program and thought it might help." Or something to that effect. Hand over the info in writing so they can't not write it down.

Bull dogs (full breed or otherwise) are harmless and often times adorably loveable dogs but NEED training.

In the end, if they don't do anything to take care of their dogs I would call the dog officer on them, but I'll try everything else first. The bottom line is those dogs, without proper training and out of control, are dangerous. When bulldogs' jaws shut they lock, which means it is difficult, near impossible to get their jaws off of something (or someone) if they don't want you to. I've known a lot of bulldogs that are sweet and kind, but I also know of bulldogs attacking without much warning. My friend Tara got attacked by a friend's bulldog when she was six and she wasn't even interacting with it. When it comes down to it, these dogs must be under control and trained or they will become dangerous, especially if they are showing signs of territorialism now.

Another little tidbit that may or maynot be helpful. Bulldogs often dislike creatures (dogs or people) of their own gender, but get along well with members of the opposite gender. For instance, the Mermaid would be liked and welcomed much more by the male dogs next door.

[betacandy.livejournal.com]

I think the "did you know you could get fined?" approach might indeed be a good idea. Offer them concern and support instead of criticism, but work the points of criticism in there, maybe. The other thing they should be aware of is: if someone can find any excuse to sue them, they will.

I personally worry about animals and children more than adults, because adults have some control over their lives. I'm sorry if these people are having a rough time - I've been there myself, and I always give people the benefit of the doubt instead of assuming they've brought all their troubles on themselves. But losing two dogs? That doesn't happen to someone who takes obligation and responsibility seriously.

That doesn't help you know how to approach them, I realize. I'm just saying I think you're entirely right to be concerned, and I'd put concern for the dogs and anyone they might come into contact with ahead of the owners. I can honestly say, if someone told me I wasn't doing the very best I can by my parrot, and explained to me my mistakes, I'd be grateful, because I love her. That's why I think the approach meyerlemon suggested might work. Maybe tell them it would be a pity if the dogs got split up because someone reported it as a kennel, so maybe they should be extra cautious about keeping the dogs on their own property and taking precautions to make sure no one has reason to report them.

Or, maybe you should just report them. Tough call, but I'd support you in that. Especially since we live in the same city. :D

[aizjanika.livejournal.com]

I first read this very late last night and didn't want to say something rash, but...my thoughts haven't changed overnight. I would call the dog officer. This is not your responsiblity. It's theirs. If you approach them on this, unless you are about 99.9% sure they'll not only be receptive, but that they'll change their ways, they are most likely going to get defensive and *not* do anything about it. They might be pissed at you, though. If you call the authorities at that point, they'll know it was you, for one thing, and that could result in unpleasantness you shouldn't have to deal with.

JMHO, I guess. I'm mean.

Also, the car accident has nothing to do with the dog situation. I understand what you're saying, but, IMHO, these people are creating all of their own problems by using poor judgment and taking advantage of others and disregarding others' rights, safety, and even just general common sense.

Yeah...I'm mean. I hope nobody judges me so harshly. *g*

Best advice, though: You are there and you know the situation best. I'm only looking at it from afar and, based on things you've said, these neighbors would drive me absolutely batty, and I would just not have anything to do with them at all--period. This may be because I've dealt with people like this in the past and been walked on so many times that I just don't have the patience for it any more. I also don't have the patience for people who don't take responsibility for their own actions. It's a personal peeve of mine, though a valid one, IMHO.

But you know your own situation best. Think it through, discuss it with your husband (to get another view from someone who knows the situation as you do), and then make a decision based on what feels right for you.