Help with advice on neighbor's runaway dog

[shamgar]

Our neighbors have what is now their third or so dog. The last couple were badly mistreated. Often kicked by them, and rarely fed. They eventually got rid of them (I don't know how, but whatever it was it is hard to imagine it being worse than the way they were living).

Now they hae gotten a new puppy. I have no idea why, they obviously don't care for them. This one I have not observed them physically abusing, but there are some small indications they might have, though not as severely I don't think.

They have purchased no collar or tags for him (or at least he never wears them) and is left outside with no shelter of any kind. They never spend any time with him. I know that sounds pretty extreme, and that it rightfully raises questions of my objectivity. Never's a long time. However they're all gone during the day, and my kids spend a fair amount of the afternoon outside. They watch the dog a lot because it breaks their hearts to see him treated that way. Neither they, nor we have observed them interacting with the dog other than to shove it out of the way on the rare occaision they feed it. (usually every three or so days at best)

Twice before the dog has escaped, and we have returned it to them, back when it was a really little puppy and we hadn't yet observed their behavior with this dog. It is now almost 6mos old and has escaped again. This time through a broken fence blade between our yards. Trying to be a good and law-abiding neighbor I returned the dog to them, over the protests of my children. (After feeding him and spending some time with him of course)

They promptly shoved it out the back and it came back to our yard. So I let him stay. The next morning, the neighbors filled in the hole the dog dug under the fence, and last night they replaced the fence blade. All without coming to ask for the dog, which is in plain sight in our backyard. So he cannot return home, even if he wants to.

My question is, does anyone here know what my obligations are? This is in the Dallas area of TX. I haven't started training him for living inside because I'm afraid they'll want him back, or doing so would put me at legal risk. This means he's still outside and exposed to the elements as I don't have any outside dog shelters.

I am not certain we can keep him, but if we can't I know someone a fair distance away that recently lost their dog to old age and would love to have him. Does anyone know what my legal risks are for that, should they suddenly decide they want him back? Is there a certain amount of time I should wait?

[ghost_desire]

I'm not really sure what the laws are. But I am sure it's a good thing you have him and not with them. I hate people that abuse their animals. You say they have seen the dog in your backyard but haven't said anything to you, then they must not want him. The best thing you can do now is go over there and ask if they want him back, if they do and they continue to "abuse" the dog then you should contact the animal shelter.. Please keep us updated.

[blacksettingsun]

If you're in doubt at all, type up a contract and ask them to sign it. If they just give you a verbal "we don't want him," they could still take you to court. But if you have a typed document stating that they agreed to let you have, it's much better evidence. And also (if they will sign the contract), there is pretty much a fool-proof way to prove the signed date. Put a newspaper from that day under the contract being signed, and take a picture of all parties involved. After you leave, immediately take the film to a photo shop and have them developed. (I highly recommend disposables for this) Try talking to the neighbors first...that way it clears up any loose ends and what not...keep us updated!

[Chrisanne]

contact your local shelter for your local laws. They will be able to offer you the appropriate advice.

I'd say, judging by their actions, that they don't want the dog. However, in situations like this... assume nothing.

[Skycat]

Ok, this thread brought out the little devil in me.

What I would do is take the dog to the people who really want the dog some distance away. Put it in the car in the garage or in a box or something to carry it to the car so the neighbors don't see you put it in the car. Then take it to your friends house where it will enjoy the life a dog should have. If the neighbors ask about the dog say it escaped from the other side of your yard, which they will probably believe since it has a history of escaping. Tell them since it wasn't your dog you felt no reason to go look for it, since that is something they would probably say if circumstance were reversed they will probably leave it at that.

Not saying it's legal, but my evil side likes it.

[shamgar]

I talked to the local shelter and to animal control. They gave me two different answers, but I have fulfilled the requirements of both. So, at least in the eyes of the law, he is now officially hours as of today.

This poor dog has grown by leaps and bounds since we've been feeding him regularly, he wouldn't even have a prayer of fitting through that fence anymore. And he's unbelievably active and playful now. In fact, he's terrorizing my backyard. :-)

We're moving in the next week or two...we'll have to see if we can escape with him without incident. I thought I'd come back and post an update though, since you were so kind as to answer and give me what advice you could.

I also thought I'd post some pictures, just in case anyone could help me confirm this dog's breed. My wife and I have been talking about it, and we think it might be a beagle retriever mix, from its appearance and manner of play. Anyone have any thoughts?

Also, these are the pictures from when we first decided not to return him a second time, before he started filling out, so you can see how thin he is. He's so playful and adorable, it's hard to understand how they could mistreat him so. I just don't know what motivates people to get dogs they can't or won't care for.

[jiskabe]

He's gorgeous I think he definitely has Beagle in him. Thank god for people like you! I despise people who don't take care of their pets, good luck with the move (and do it when the neighbours aren't home