Did I make a mistake? (long)

[MissiM]

Twice this week, I have seen a neighborhood dog ABUSED.
The first time was Monday night.
The second time was last night.
I watched the owner of the house (father to owner of the dog) pick the dog up by the collar and hit (punch) him in the face three times (while holding him high off the ground) and then throw him high in the air to fall again on the other side of the fence - on his back.

It was too much for me to take in.

I called Animal Control immediately to report it.

Well, animal control went over to talk to the dog abuser.
The dog abuser had some story about a dog fight....
(I know because animal control called me back to let me know what happened.)
THEN
the animal abuser family came to MY FRONT DOOR and started trying to knock it down with their forceful and incessant knocking.

It HAPPENED to be 9:30 at night.
I HAPPENED to be in bed talking to Husband on the phone.
It HAPPENED to be DARK OUTSIDE
and I was not "expecting" anyone.

Under those circumstances, I do NOT open my door EVER.
If it's someone I know, they will call my phone.

I let them knock until they finally went away.
BUT, I am sure there will have to be a discussion about why I am such a "b*tch" for not just "talking to them first"

But REALLY, what am I supposed to do? Go over there and say "so, I see you are beating your dog. Why?" - right. OR MAYBE "So, I know you enjoy beating your dog more than just training him to say in the yard or actually *heaven forbid* playing with him instead of just keeping him on a chain... so ANYWAY... can you please *beat your dog* out of my sight... because it's UNCOMFORTABLE for me to see."

First of all, the complaint was anonymous. It could have been anyone.
Second - Yhey didn't get a ticket.
They were not told they would have to go to court.
Third - they DID IT.

Sounds to me like the LEAST AGGRESSIVE way to let them know (at least some of) *their neighbors think beating their pets is an unacceptable practice* was taken.
What do they want?

In the meantime - until I leave tomorrow afternoon to pick up HUSBAND (from the airport) - who can no doubt talk to the dog abuser (without fear of it becoming physical) - I have to find a way to *basically* stay out of my house from say 5p-8p in a place I can have my dogs with me. This is not going to be easy. It's hot out and my girls don't LOVE the heat.
Any suggestions?

 

[Net45582]

I'd call the law.....also post a no trespass sign....keep an eye on your dogs though and make sure they don't pick anything foriegn up off the ground. I'm sorry you're having to live with these abusive idiots. YOU did nothing wrong.

 

[MissiM]

I'd call the law.....also post a no trespass sign....keep an eye on your dogs though and make sure they don't pick anything foriegn up off the ground. I'm sorry you're having to live with these abusive idiots. YOU did nothing wrong.

Post a no trespass sign in my front or back yard?
You mean like on the side gate that leads to my backyard?

Last night, I kept taking Maggie outside to potty in the front yard to reduce the changes they would come after me!

 

[kazsmom]

Animals can't defend themselves against idiots like this and it's our responsibility to do it for them. Don't ever think you made a mistake calling animal services -- I'm proud of you for doing it. And can those jacka**es actually think you'd go over there to "talk" to them after what you saw them do to their dog??!! Give me a break. People like that need to have the same thing done to them that they do to their dogs...Good for you for trying to help!

 

[StellaBee]

Like you said - it was an anonymous call. He has no way of knowing that you called unless you tell him. If you're concerned for your safety, I would leave the dogs and go. They'll be fine. Invite yourself over to dinner to a friend's or relative's. Good luck. P.S. If it were me and he comes banging on your door again, I'd call the police.

 

[Net45582]

What yard did the "neighbors" come to? That's where I would post it so it is visible. If they approach your door with the sign posted then you have a right to call the police just for common trespass......sounds like you could probably get a curse and abuse in there too from the description oof these folks-LOL. Good luck...I repeat YOU did nothing wrong.

 

[MissiM]

Our back yards meet and there is a 4ft fence that THEIR big scary dog can jump.
SO BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS, I am forced to keep a close eye on my two girls every moment they are outdoors for fear the neighbor dog will end up in my yard.

The neighbors came to my front yard/front door.

The idea that he was beating this huge scary dog because it was in a dog fight puts a new level of fear in me - if that dog is fighting a medium sized poodle, I have to worry about my boxer puppy and mini schnauzer.

It just sucks.

I have ordered a ton of lilac bushes to be planted as a hedge against the fence that borders to two yards.
This way, there dog will be less likely to jump the fence into a hedge.
The hedge will keep the dogs from seeing each other.
AND if I let it grow tall enough, the edge will keep me from "getting into their business"

It's all I know to do!

 

[StellaBee]

have ordered a ton of lilac bushes to be planted as a hedge against the fence that borders to two yards.
This way, there dog will be less likely to jump the fence into a hedge.
The hedge will keep the dogs from seeing each other.

That sounds like a reasonable solution. Who knows, maybe this little incident will make him realize he doesn't want the trouble of animal control coming over, and he'll surrender the dog. Sure stinks having crappy neighbors!

 

[MissiM]

There are two dogs.
One jumps the fence and is some kind of pit bull or something and then some husky mix.

The dog catcher said he advised the neighbor to get the dogs their rabies shots (they aren't even up to date on their shots?!!!?)

Hopefullly, the bushes will help.

Husband wasn't exactly FOR the buses because he thinks it's being rude.

BUT

I think they have been doing their best at being rude themselves. SO, I am not so much worried. Besides, when it's all done, husband will like how it looks!

 

[Oscar's Mom]

MissiM, that's terrible and you had every right to call animal control.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you in Missouri? We live in Jefferson City and it would be great to have another boxer around.

Myra