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

[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.