Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishoro  I have a backyard neighbor who keep their Yorkie outside in a kennel 22/7 most of the time and 24/7 when they are out of town on the weekends. The kennel is large with food and water, but the little dog is penned up outside and alone most of the time, even in the cold (37 deg). I'm concerned.
Does anyone have information addressing this issue, so I can give to my neighbor? |
Unfortunately from what I have read on here, humane society and local animal enforcement people can do nothing if the dog has food, water and a little shelter. I don't know why but they have never differentiated between big dogs that can withstand the elements and fragile dogs like Yorkeis that certainly cannot.
So, you are going to have to try to approach it with education. I tried to do a quick search to find some sort of reference on line to print out and give your neighbor but did not have any luck. I think most of the sites think it is common sense that these precious little guys cannot be left outside all the time. Maybe someone else knows of a reference you could print off.
Even if you can't find it in writing maybe just your calm logic relating how Yorkies need to be inside dogs and need more attention than they are giving theirs. Stand by for resentment, but be firm. Maybe they really want to find another home for theirs, realizing they cannot provide what the little one needs. Maybe they just are not bright enough to realize how they are endangering their little dog.
If you are anything like me, you won't be able to rest until you at least try to help the Yorkie. But unfortunately, aside from breaking the law yourself and rescuing the dog, there may be little you can do. I once called child services on a lady who left a 3 year old alone at her home (The litle girl came to my door for a drink). They had an officer come right out but the lady showed up from her trip to the store for cigarettes and they said there was nothing they could do since she wasn't gone long enough for abandonment! That was years ago and maybe things are better now. But sometimes logic and the welfare of ones who cannot speak up for themselves does not win out.