should we take him?

[Koneko_kokoro]

animal control officer??

[KYS]

That's a great idea, contact your local animal control or
spca. Whomever you would report mistreatment of animals too.

[tatsxxx11]

Many towns, cities, have animal control officers. They are an "arm" of the poilce dept. that deals with animal abuse, neglect, strays, injured animals, etc. Try your police dept. and ask if you have one. In the meantim, please click on the link below. It should answer all your questions about what is and what is not abuse!! Plus it offers a lot of excellent adivce re: how to proceed should you suspect an animal is being abused.

Animal abuse...what to do if you suspect it

From the Humane Society...What is abuse and how to report it

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by Koneko_kokoro
animal control officer??

Would an animal control officer do anything?

My cousin is an animal control officer and I believe the only cases they take is when someone finds a stray and they pick it up, or there is a report of an agressive dog or puppy mill. I'll have to ask her...

also, koneko_kokoro lives outside of Campbell River, a ways away, in the country. Apparently the Campbell River Spca avoids cases out there...

[tatsxxx11]

Here in Mass., once a complaint/concern has been received, the family is immediately visited by the animal control officer. Regarding cases such as "nuisance barking," or other minor offenses such as repeatedly disobeying the leash law, the family/owner is given a warning. After a second complaint, a fine is levied and after the third offense, the owner is requried to appear before the Board of Selectmen. (Town Council) Our animal control officer works very closely with the family to try and determine the cause of the problem and works with them to rectify the situation. In cases of abuse or neglect, there is no quesiton that the animal is rfirst emoved. (If proven to be true) Then the family is given couseling/education re: responsible dog ownership. If the neglect/abuse continues, the dog IS removed from the home and the family is encouraged to willingly surrender the animal. Our town council does have the authority, upon the recommendation of the Animal Control Officer, to remove the dog from the home. On rare occasion, the owner will take the case to court. I would still encourage you to contact your local branch of the Humane Society. In all of the their literature, mailings, they encourage the reporting of abuse!!

[wolfsoul]

Is the Spca the same? Everyone always says "humane society" but I don't know if it's just BC that doesn't have any, or Canada, but I've never even seen a humane society. There isn't one where my friend lives either.

Where I live, animal control officers take the dogs they pick up to the Spca...If my friend calls the Spca and they don't do anything, but she calls animal control and they take the dog to the Spca, what would happen then? Would they be mad?

[tatsxxx11]

No, the Humane Society of the US (HSUS) is different from the SPCA. I was under the impression that although based in the states, the HSUS had branches in Canada as well; perhaps not. Check out their website (I posted the link above)

If the dog goes to the SPCA, there is a good chance that it will go to a kill shelter. If there is an animal control officer your friend can call, I would suggest she call her/him first. Honestly, if I felt the dog was truly being mistreated, if speaking with the family lead no where, I would call the SPCA. If they decide the dog is being neglected, they will take it to a shelter. I would find out to which shelter he was taken, THEN, go to that shelter and apply to adopt the dog. It's a very difficult decision to make and you're not alone in your anguish. Others here on Pet Talk have faced these very same, difficult decisions. I for one, could not in good conscience, allow that dog to be treated in that manner without doing all I could to recitify the situation. I know it's hard. You have to live "with" these people. I give great credit to you and your friend for your concern and valiant ttempts to help this poor pup Please keep us updated. Sandra

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11

If the dog goes to the SPCA, there is a good chance that it will go to a kill shelter.

The Spcas here don't PTS anymore.

Thanks for the info! When my friend gets back home, she'll be sure to take your advice.