Is this dog being cruelly treated?

[ColinJ]

That's lovely.
I had a neighbour who had lung problems and his little dog never got walked. I was desperate for a dog of my own but it wasn't possible at that time.
So, I walked my next door neighbours dog, played with him in the garden and took him treats at Christmas
I was really sad when the dog died (he was older) but a couple of years later my parents were in the position to allow me a dog, and for my 16th birthday, a cheeky little liver and white Springer Spaniel trotted into my life

The old neighbour was fiercely independent until she had a heavy fall from which she never really recovered. She spent the last year or so of her life in a care home.

We wondered what had happened to the dog. My ex eventually spotted the old woman's son walking the dog in a park in Halifax a couple of years after his mum died, and it appeared to be well cared for.

That's how I read it folks; odd but believable. I often howl.

I thought you were more of a barker, as in 'barking mad' ...?

 

[SD1]

Its obviously cruelty but it is unlikely anything can be done about it. A lurcher doesn't needs a lot of exercise. Mental stimulantion is in my opinion more important than exercise but obviously the two go together. Although "not a lot of exercise" is rarely defined so god knows what it is in actual time. Also nobody has a big enough garden to supply sufficient mental stimulation for a dog. As Lurchers are more of a sight dog than a scent dog a smaller garden may not be as bad. Incessant barking is a sure sign of a frustrated dog, is it incessant. IE as soon as it goes out it starts barking? To be honest I have never thought of them as barking dog but I have read they have a tendency to bark a lot at other dogs more than normal. I really don't think you can do much about it other than ringing them and get their opinion (RSPCA)
Odd behaviour not letting other people take her dog for a walk.

 

[ufkacbln]

Have you tried calling them, around here even the vets would not waste the money on a call to them. Total waste of charatible money from my experience.

Ring Rolf Harris Alan Davies

 

[screenman]

Our old greyhound was beyond lazy, my house backs onto the Viking Way Sustrans route and I would take the mutt out on her lead and let her off once we were 200 yards down the lane, at which point she would sprint back home, well more of a lollop actualy and await my arrival. You do look a dipstick taking a dog lead for a walk with no dog attached.

 

[the snail]

regarding RSPCA - surely they don't actually have any "power" do they ?

I think they have the power to prosecute animal cruelty cases, not that this sounds like one though.

 

[Saluki]

Dogs are social animals and like to go out for walks.
Young dogs really like to go out. I agree that the RSPCA probably have better things to do and are a bit overstretched and reporting the neighbour might be a bit strong.

I feel sorry for the dog, as they do like their walks. A big garden is better than nothing but walking would be so much healthier for the poor thing. It's probably bored to tears. Dogs do get depressed and they do need mental stimulation, every day. IMO it's a bit mean, if there is no health reason, to not walk a young dog.

 

[Mrs M]

Maybe the RSPCA could visit and give the owner some general, friendly advice.

 

[Mrs M]

[QUOTE 3973275, member: 259"]Why would they do that unless it was reported as being ill treated?[/QUOTE]
They would investigate if someone reported it but maybe some advice is all that's needed in the end.

 

[vernon]

They would investigate if someone reported it but maybe some advice is all that's needed in the end.

And if the friendly advice was ignored, then what?

 

[Piemaster]

Yes - they have a number of statutory powers.

You have any links to support that? I can't find anything that says they do, though the organisation does seem to want to give the impression they do have some.

 

[Piemaster]

See the Animal Welfare Act 2006. RSPCA inspectors are persons appointed by the appropriate national authority under Section 51. This is only relatively recent though.

Hmm. I've I've read that correctly they have no right of entry without a warrant, the same as a PC would. I am admittedly a little uneasy with the concept of a charity looking like and acting as an animal police force. I'd guess that financing it is cheaper that way.
There doesn't seem to be any (at least obvious) complaint procedure about animal cases - an IPCC type thing, though there is about fund raising and I'd assume thats down to the Charity Commission requirements.

 

[vernon]

You have any links to support that?

You doubt the all knowing @User?

How very dare you!

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I own (haha, own, who am I kidding ) I serve and wait upon several greyhounds and lurchers. The pure greyhound breeds are fast twitch and tire easily but that does not mean they don't need the exercise, even my laziest one, and even by greyhound standards she is bone idle, gets cranky if she does't get at least 20 minutes twice a day and my 14 year very old Galgo who I am just happy to see still alive when I come downstairs each morning needs to be out for as long as he can manage every day.

@simon.r Lurchers are often a bit of a cross of breeds and may well have something in them with more energetic needs than the pure race/hunt hounds. Our Neville has a hint of German Shepherd in him to look at fur colouring but he has a huge turn of pace and can sprint with the others easily, he can also happily walk all day if I have the time & will lope along beside my bike at a good lick to really stretch his legs for as long as I wish.

Whatever the background difficulties, I do think that the dog needs some intervention and a better set up than 100m2 of garden, Honestly for that type of dog, even if it is only looking to blast off and sprint a distance then come back ready for 10 hours kip, such an area is nothing.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I reported a neighbours dog once because it was constantly in their front drive barking at the gate, and jumping up at anything that passed. it also had a gammy foot. 2 weeks later it disappeared. You could always phone them (RSPCA) and ask for advice on the matter first. As far as I know, Lurchers are quite happy doing nothing but they do need the opportunity to exercise in short bursts.

 

[Mrs M]

[QUOTE 3973275, member: 259"]Why would they do that unless it was reported as being ill treated?[/QUOTE]
Oh, I meant if someone reported it, that would probably be their initial approach (sorry for not replying last night, I was pooped and fell asleep) .