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

[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