Rosemerry

Wow so many helpful & heartfelt responses -- Rachelle--I hear you yes yes the dog just might have "run away" if the owner's yard were not in full view of mine. Believe me, many many scenarios have crossed my mind. And yes, the kids now think it's OK to buy a puppy, when it matures let it rot on a rope in backyard for the rest of its life. Maureen--this was EXTREMELY helpful--I thank you, and know better where to go from here. Truegrits-- There is no mystery, I have spoken to them many times about the dog, they know I disapprove. Dravin--yes, dogs are way tougher than I'll ever know. But just one example, I have seen this dog FOR 6 DAYS in a row, put out at 930am temps in the 20s, taken in at 10pm temps in the 20s. High for day 34 degrees. NO doghouse, just curled up tightly on a flattened cushion--no top, no sides. Yeah, she survives, but this is the family pet?? Tarnished--I was afraid of dogs as a child, but now that I know them I sure wish people were *half* as decent...your posts hearten me! applepansy-- the new Utah laws now make it a felony to torture or abuse animals, but unfortunately it's perfectly legal to leave your dog alone 24/7 in the backyard on a rope.

deseretgov--yes, I know exactly what you mean, but I also look at it this way-- There's so much horribleness in the world-- (I'm freaking over the fact that every other media word is "torture" these days)-- SO-- Why in the world would you want to ADD to the suffering on earth by making your little family pet live a rotten, lonely life?? What part of being on a chain all day do they think the dog LIKES??

Yes, ADoyle--just today I have been reading -- California limits, and a few other states, several cities. It looks like 2 or 3 hours is the limit, and some places NO CHAINS is the law. There's an organization called "Dogs Deserve Better" with tons of info & links on the subject. How nice to read that whole state legislatures agree that dogs shouldn't be chained. p.s. I could EAT that sweet avatar!

Thanks for the kind words, prospectmom, and the good article, HE--I appreciate you finding that for me. Maureen--any further "telling" to anyone would result in resentment, I would LOVE to flat out publicly humiliate these people but I know it would not help and might hurt the dog. Believe me, I have tried to figure many many angles to "get to" them, but glad I have not (yet) acted on any. My righteous indignation flares up regularly, though! azaware--yes, there is a fence but dog can tunnel under. They have said for 7 years (age of dog) they will secure the yard but never have. Buy them a doghouse? They have new home, adorable clothes on toddlers, recent vacation, new outdoor barbecue. As for buying the dog--if I wanted a dog, I would have a dog, believe me! I've felt guilty, but am trying to remember that whatever happens to the dog is 100% result of owner's behavior, not mine! I do know there are 2 sides to every story--because I realized this might come to public/legal attention, I have carefully kept non-exaggerated records. For what it's worth, I've known many many dogs belonging to many many people--have never had any cause to think twice about their welfare. Animal neglect is not just mean, it's illegal--and it's illegal BECAUSE it's mean. In this case it's just not mean enough. Truly lousy situation.

Well, the situation has escalated. (Like situations do!) At first they were apologetic and humble and matter-of-fact--and so was I. But nothing changed -- so I got grumpier and more accusatory and they got a little defiant and cool towards me. But when Animal Control got involved communication stopped--the dog's rope is shorter, and has been moved to the other side of their house, no longer easily visible. Edit-- 1. I see now I should have used the "Advice" column for my sort of question. 2. The title I chose for this thread could be taken as quite insulting--sorry I didn't word it more carefully! 3. I've been sampling the site all over--there are some very very funny very very wise people here.

prisonchaplain, thank you for the perfect phrase! wingnut, yes, they were told (by Animal Control) 18 days ago they must license the dog. Still waiting. If Animal Control doesn't do their job and follow up, I will. 3 weeks is plenty of time. Just_A_Guy-- yes, my local laws differ from the state and Salt Lake statutes, but still, "shelter" simply means "appropriate shelter" and "extreme weather" is an opinion, not a temperature. Humane Society recommends regular walks, but the LAW says it's perfectly legal to keep a dog tied up 24/7. Again, I'm thinking of the dog's quality of life & comfort. I know they're not starving or beating it. The neighbors think it's normal animal treatment--probably because they were raised that way. I'm very glad the weather is improving at least.

Of course in no way is this a religion-related situation, I just thought since they ARE active in their church I might find a religion-related solution! I asked specifically: a dog outside in 32 degrees for 6 hours-- this is legal. (No food, no shelter, just out, a snowy day.) Dogs are WAY tougher than we are. But I'm thinking of the animal's comfort, not its ability to withstand. This is a 40 pound, short haired, zero body fat dog. Vort--I would value the life of a person over the life of an animal, yes, but deliberately causing an animal OR human to suffer is equal evil! Robbing a rich person is just as bad as robbing a poor person. I tried Animal Control already, but thinking now of going back.

Haha talisyn--great suggestion :) Unfortunately, Animal Control standards are not Humane Society standards. This dog's life is just this side of legal. The dog survives, therefore you are not harming the dog. The stress and anxiety of separation (dogs are pack animals--the human family is the dog's "pack") can't be measured like injuries/ribs showing from hunger. I suppose what I want is to make them CARE, and "..teachings...about not being excessively cruel" probably won't do it. Barking is NOT a problem--the dog is silent, listless. Silly of me, hoping for a magic Mormon text or something. I certainly appreciate all these answers coming so quickly!

Hello, I'm not a Mormon, and this is not a question about Mormonism. I just happen to live next to a man, wife, and 3 little children who are active in the LDS church. They have a nice new home and are attractive, friendly, seem happy. EXCEPT they have a little pet dog who lives alone in the back yard on a rope. Not licensed, never taken for walks, left out for 10-12 hours in freezing weather (no dog house.) Also left out in summer heat (this is Salt Lake City Utah) with green warm water to drink. Ignored by kids and parents. (The kids are learning that this is ok!!) I have spoken to them several times, nicely and not so nicely. Is there anything specifically about animals in the Church teaching that might get them to see? To me, animal neglect / abuse is just as bad as child neglect/abuse. Mean is mean, after all. Any suggestions? Would peer pressure from other Mormons help? Thanks, Rose