The neighbours animals

[nikki1984]

Right lovely people, I have a dilemma and don't know what to do  

My neighbour recently lost her husband and seems to be really struggling, she has 4 dogs, 7 cats, rabbits and chickens. She is very eccentric but the house and garden are disgusting. There is old poo all over the garden and rubbish everywhere. Now that's bad enough but the poor dogs don't ever go for a walk, they are let out in the garden every day for about 10 mins and that's it. She never normally let's them out when anyone is around but yesterday she didn't see me tidying the garden and they we're let out. Well one of them looks in terrible condition, her fur was really matted and in huge clumps and she was filthy so much so I really had to bite my tongue. I know she does feed them well but the poor thing looked at me with saddened and pained eyes. 

I have offered on several times to take the dogs out for a walk but she won't let me. Last night whilst laid in bed all I could think of was the poor animals. So my question is what do I do? Should I report it and if so who to as I know the RSPCA don't seem that helpful..........any advice hugely appreciated.

[alfiemoon]

I have the same view of the RSPCA as you, but I think you have to start with them. I've just searched 'reporting dog neglect' and the RSPCA have a reporting form to use.

Extracted from their web site -

The RSPCA believes that the basic welfare of all animals must take into account the 'Five Welfare Needs'. These needs are:

- somewhere suitable to live
- a proper diet, including fresh water
- the ability to express normal behaviour
- for any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- protection from, and treatment of, illness and injury.

Wherever possible they offer advice and assistance to improve animal welfare, including giving people time to make improvements to their standards of care and only resort to prosecution as a last resort.

I would say at a minimum that these animals don't somewhere suitable to live (as that should include the garden) or the ability to express normal behaviour, if they aren't being walked/socialised.

A visit from them may prompt your neighbour to admit that she can't cope and she may surrender some/all of the animals voluntarily.

I wouldn't be able to ignore it and be able to sleep at night, so hope this is of some help. Let us know how you get on.

[sharonhigh45]

Nikki I would agree with above and tell the RSPCA maybe they could visit and give her a jolt into doing something,what a worry for you and conscience, I had a young neighbour years ago when we had our first house and they had rabbits, goat in garage,cats and kittens goldfish dogs,terrapins and the partner was a paraplegic so although young she could not cope and I ended up with a cat,three terrapins,seven goldfish and a rabbit!x

[vickyb]

I'm no fan of the RSPCA either but I also think that you need to ring them. You can explain about the ladies problems and they will hopefully try to work with her to improve things rather than swooping in and taking them away - but if that needs to happen in the animals best interests then so be it.
There is a lot more to life than being well fed isn't there
I can imagine how awful you feel about it whatever you do

[nikki1984]

Well I bit the bullet and rang the RSPCA, I was amazed as for once they actually seemed interested. They are going to have a chat with her and go from there! In the meantime I have been asked to keep a note of everything.

So after that I took 'her ladyship' out and bought her some treats and a toy. She is currently launching herself round the lounge with the toy and is in luurrrrrve with it! X

[sharonhigh45]

Well done you,nobody likes to interfere but sometimes you have to go with your instincts,keep spoiling Brandy.shazx

[brooke1]

Well done you have done the right thing.

[Flaperoo]

Well done. The woman is clearly not coping very well and I hope they help her.

Maryx