Reporting Animal Abuse on an Overseas Military Post

[tigi818]

I need some ideas/advice with a really sad situation.

We currently live on an Army Base in Japan and we feel the people down the street are abusing their dog. They have a pit bull that they have been keeping outside in a wire crate for long hours everyday. I even think he may sleep outside some nights. Today it poured down rain all day and was in there for over 14 hours (in fact he's still there now). The crate is not covered by the way so he must be soaked. Between my husband and me, we saw him in that crate outside every time we drove by today (about 7 times ranging from 6AM to 7PM). We called both the Vet and the Military Police but neither will do much. The Military Police did say they would stop by and see if anyone was home but other than that, there isn't much they can do. Unfortunately, since we are overseas, I don't know how to proceed. Does anybody have any experience with situations like this or any advice on what we should do? I feel so terrible for the dog. People really make me so mad sometimes.

 

[JulieJay]

That is absolutely awful to hear.
i think you are moving in the right direction with calling the Military Police and Vets... Do you have an animal protection law out in Japan? Here in Canada we could call the Human Society and lodge complaints and they sent people out, even Animal Control will do the same.
If you are friendly with the couple could you go over and chat with them?? in a round about way, so they don't feel attacked?

I wish you all the luck and i hope that poor boy gets to go inside. Please keep us posted.

 

[lilboxerbaby]

That is really strange that the MPs aren't doing anything about it. Next step I would take is figure out who your neighbors are (if you don't know already) and contact his/her Commander! I understand miliary hours can be long and not always a set schedule or even odd hours, but they shouldn't have a dog if they can't take care of it. Contact the Commander so they know the type of troop they have. Do you live off base? (I'm not sure how housing in Japan works). If you don't mind me asking, what branch?

C

 

[tigi818]

I know, I feel so awful about the whole thing. This morning while my husband was walking our dog he saw that poor dog still in his crate - this is over 24 hours now.
We do live on base but I don't know the family who lives in that house.
I pulled out our housing manual they gave us when we moved in and it says specifically to contact the vet and MPs who will form a team to investigate. I am going to ask the MPs, Housing, and the Vet one more time (referencing the policy). If they still won't do anything, I am going to the Inspector General - maybe this will atleast force them to do their job.

Thanks all for your responses. I will keep you posted....

 

[kathysboxer]

Wishing you luck in this situation. No advice though. Keeps us up to date on happenings. Sending the poor dog hugs, kisses, healing vibes and tons of love.

 

[lilboxerbaby]

How about you try the Provost Marshall or the BSB Commander/Sergeant Major. The BSB Sergeant Major is usually incharge of the Base (an Army base anyway). That or try housing again. I really don't think IG would be able to do anything with that type of complaint. Housing can tell you how to contact the BSB CSM if they don't do anything themselves.

I hope you are able to get this resolved, poor dog!

C

 

[lhsdavis]

If the MP's wont do anything contact and request to speak to the station commander and if you dont get satisfaction there, contact the provost marshall himself. I used to be an a MP and yes they can do something about it, but sometimes you have to hit the right person to get something done (go high in the chain of command),...that individuals chain of command can also be contacted by the MPs to have something done.

 

[tigi818]

Thank you all for your concern and advice!

In the end, I think the MPs did stop at the house because the dog has not been out much since the weekend. I also contacted the Housing Office and they confirmed the current policy in place was to contact MPs and Vet.
I am keeping my eye out though to ensure that poor guy isn't left out like that again. Please keep your fingers crossed and thanks again for your support!!