I pit barking dogs, but when I can hear myself think I am really not a dog hater. The pit threads are just venting.
I am also not a dog person. Given the choice I would choose not to own a dog, and choose not to live in an area where dogs are left in tiny backyards to bark rythmically.
But I am against animal cruelty. And one of those dogs I’ve pitted, I think is being neglected. When I pitted it I had no reason to beilieve it wasn’t being left out for more than an hour or so. But since then I’ve noticed it barking on and off pretty much during an entire 24 hour period. And for several days.
So the owners must leave it outside almost permanently.
What could Animal Protection do If I called them? Would I have to find out which backyard first? (the barking I would say is at least 5 houses away, possibly not even from my street)
If it varies from country to country then let’s pick the RSPCA. What powers do they have?
All dogs bark from time to time, this is to be expected. But most municipalities have ordinances that address excessive barking.
An incessantly barking dog can be absolutely maddening. And you’re right, it is not the dog’s fault–it is the owner’s responsibility. If the dog is left out all day with no exercise, companionship or stimulation of any kind, all he’s got left is to bark. I would think that you would need to find out exactly which dog in which yard, to make sure you are not hearing more than one at a time.
Most towns or cities have some sort of municipal animal services. In the States here Denver it is called Animal Control. If there are dogs left outside to bark all day here, Animal Control is called. The dog owner will get a warning or two but if the problem continues, further action is taken. The Denver Animal Shelter is also a part of this governmental agency.
Aside from that, there are private non-profits (similar to the RSPCA?) who have staff officers that investigate cases of possible animal cruelty.
Sometimes a pet is relinquished, sometimes a pet is taken away as a rescue.
Good luck!
There are probably UK laws governing the type of care a dog is supposed to be given. These would include adequate food, potable water, and shelter from the elements. (This can mean an outdoor shelter; it doesn’t have to mean the dog lives inside at all, in the U.S. anyway.) If you report them, it’s possible the RSPCA would make a visit and see if the requirements are being met. If they aren’t, then they might either take the dog or give the owners notice that they must build a shelter or provide regular food or whatever. If the owners don’t comply, then the RSPCA would more likely take the dog away.
If you think he’s being neglected, report them and see what happens. Sometimes animal agencies will talk someone into surrendering the animal. It’s also possible that this animal is much worse off than you think, and it would be a kindness to report the owners so that he can be removed.
I don’t know the laws in your region, but here, it doesn’t vary country to country: it varies county to county. Some counties (like Buncombe County, where I live) contract with a local humane society (like ours) to provide animal control services; others provide it through the police/sheriff departments.
However, if your local SPCA/humane society can’t direct you to the appropriate resources, then you tell them I said they’re a bunch of useless gits. Give them a call, and they should be able to point you in the right direction: I guarantee you they get a half-dozen calls a day from people looking for the same information.
Daniel