Should I steal my neighbor's dog? (WWYD)

[CornField]

The neighbors have a cute mutt -- golden brown, medium sized, no clue what breed she is. Whenever she gets loose (they keep her tied out way too much, IMO) she comes straight to my house. If I go over to greet her, she immediately drops her nose to the ground, then flips over onto her back before peeing all over herself. The only time I've ever seen a young dog so timid is when it has been beaten.

Tonight I took Belle for a walk and she (Belle) allowed me to go help the neighbor dog untangle. The little girl crawled over to about 2-3 feet in front of my Belle and did the submissive bit again. She even won my very gun shy Belle over! (Belle was brutally attacked by another dog last fall.)

When I went over to pet them both, the dog flips on her back again. I'm going to give her a big belly rub when I realize that she is starving -- looks like she hasn't had a bite to eat in at least a couple of days. This ticked me off and I went up and knocked on the neighbor's door -- no one home. I waited two hours and then just couldn't stand it anymore. I took her over a bowl of kibble and another of water. (There weren't even bowls outside with her that I could find.)

:banghead:

I've been watching for the neighbors to come back and they haven't. Another neighbor told me they haven't been home all weekend. ARGH!!!

[flvegan]

1. It's not stealing.

And bless you for considering it.

As for what would I do (and this would come as a GREAT surprise to many) I'd set up a place for her to go, as your neighbors would notice if you had their dog. Maybe a rescue (PM me if you want/need help setting that up). She's submissive, not terribly odd, but the "starving" comment is what does it for me, especially if they've been gone all weekend and there are no bowls).

My opinion? Do it, and don't look back.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

28. I'm with you.

To me, cases like these are more of an act now kind of thing.

[rustydog]

38. It IS stealing plain and simple. call animal control

and let them save the animal. make sure to keep in touch with the kennel and try to adopt.
Legally.

Two wrongs do not ever make it right.

[LeftyMom]

39. You cant steal what isn't property

In a just society living beings aren't owned. There is nothing wrong with taking a starving and likely abandoned dog from a neglectful home to a loving one- doing so is an act of love.

[arwalden]

41. I Don't Know Of Any Court That Would Agree With Your Philosophy.

Fact of the matter is... living things (such as dogs) ARE owned. No matter how much anyone doesn't "believe-in" that concept... it doesn't change the fact that such a concept will not hold water in a court of law.

[LeftyMom]

44. Interestingly a somewhat similar legal case wrapped up last week

although it involved farmed animals (in this case caged layer hens.) The man was convicted of trespassing (he'd broke into the efgg factory to get footage for a video about such facilities) but not of theft in taking the sick hens for treatment and rehoming. Apparently the law does respect the removal of animals in need of better care, even in the case of animals in agriculture, who are exempted from most of the anti-cruelty statutes and other protections that apply to dogs and cats.

[arwalden]

47. Interestingly...

... that's *not* what you said. You said that living things cannot be owned.

Interestingly... you're making a case against an argument that I never made. You're presenting "evidence" trying to refute something that *I* never said. Can you say: "strawman".

I said: Fact of the matter is... living things (such as dogs) ARE owned. No matter how much anyone doesn't "believe-in" that concept... it doesn't change the fact that such a concept will not hold water in a court of law.

You need to give it a rest. Seriously, move on.

[LeftyMom]

48. I was making a moral argument rather than a legal one

Since you seem more concerned more with the legality of the matter I responded to that.

:shrug:

[arwalden]

49. I Know Exactly What You Were Doing.

:eyes:

[radwriter0555]

42. The right thing to do is to call Animal Control and calmly and

professionally explain the circumstances. You don't need to be judgemental or hysterical or excited.... they'll respond better to calm, serious, concerned, brief.

Most regions require a caretaker to check in on the animal every 12 hours, and require that there be ALWAYS be shelter and adequate food and water and a generous leash.

Now... here's a tip; to get A/C out there really fast, explain that the animal is tangled in its leash and can hardly move. Just be brief. You see, the dog could "miraculously" get untangled by the time A/C gets there, but they've still responded and will then begin to remedy the situation.

What they usually do is leave a notice to comply, usually 12 hours. In the meantime they most likely will leave food and water for the dog.

If the dog is in any way in distress, they will take the animal into custody and leave a notice for the owner. They usually check in with the nieghbors as well.

If they take the animal, you can follow their rules and then arrange to adopt the dog through legal channels, or to be its back up in case it doesn't get adopted.

[driver8]

52. Do it. Tell them if they have a problem, to talk with the police

regarding cruelty to animals.

She sounds like a sweetie and deserves a home where she will be loved and cared for.

Please let us know how it turns out.

[DS1]

2. Steal the dog and burn their house down

:-)

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

3. Yeah, I'd take her and find a friend that will give her a home or

let her stay there until she has a permanent home. I have no qualms about taking an animal from an abusive home. I did it with a cat (ended up being seriously ill and had to be put down) and with a fish (which was actually kind of like a drunken Free Willy).

[AmyDeLune]

4. Do it!

If they cared about her they would have made arrangements for someone to care for her. They obviously couldn't care less if she starves to death, or gets sick, or is poisoned, or dare I say, disappears.}(

[texanwitch]

5. Take the dog, she needs a good home.

I took a dog years ago from people who never fed it or gave it water, I couldn't stand it anymore.

Bless you for caring about the little dog.

[Dangerously Amused]

6. Do it. You will never regret it.

And do it now. Tomorrow may be too late.


Bless you, hon.


:hug:

[MaggieSwanson]

7. I can hook you up with a dog rescue group

in Cedar Rapids. They can help. Check your PM...

Thank you for being a friend to this little dog! It sure sounds like she needs one.

:hug:

[CornField]

14. Got it, Maggie!

Thanks!

[idgiehkt]

16. that's kind of what i did.

took the dog, found a home for it...which got complicated here in the middle, because that home didn't work out, they gave her to someone else, she got stolen, taken to the shelter, sprung from the shelter...by that time I had moved...and then was given back to me. That was nine years ago and she is till with me today.

so yeah, I stole the dog.

and it sounds like your dog is in worse shape than the one I stole was. I don't know if you'd be able to keep her where you are, but a rescue would be a good idea to get her out of the area. You don't want to get caught. Good luck.

[MiniMandaRuth]

8. Do it,

but be careful.

you never know what people might do if you try and take their possessions.

That poor doggie :cry:

My friend actually has a dog that was previously abused, and she's the most gentle thing in the world.

[auntAgonist]

9. Please rescue that poor little dog!

They don't deserve the love and devotion, .. go get her, please.

aA

[otherlander]

10. DO IT. It's a noble cause!

Best of luck, and if you get in trouble, remember my signature! Or something... Now, should I steal some foie gras geese?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. Do it. I stole a neglected cat once; never felt guilty in the least.

This guy, Charles. He and I lived happily ever after for -- no kidding -- 20 years.

[Quantess]

18. That's a good-lookin' animal!

A strawberry blonde, LOL.

[Arugula Latte]

23. Wow. He was incredibly gorgeous.

Thank you to all good people who put the welfare of animals first! :hi:

[driver8]

53. He is absolutely beautiful.

Good for you for saving him. He is gorgeous...what a sweet face.

[jukes]

12. that wd be "rescue"

although i work mostly w/ feral cats, i have rescued several abused mix-breed dogs.

seriously, i have taken considerable heat over it. had 1 hillbilly lokt up for threatening to burn my house, stray shots fired in my general direction, etc. (rural Georgia)

i'm retired LE, so this was only a minor annoyance for me, but average folk don't have the resources to cope.

it cd well evolve into an unpleasant situ, and unless you're capable of dealing w/ the problems (invariably the people that treat animals that way are very proprietory about their "rights") i wd heartily suggest that poor doggie "disappear".

you can prbly find some1 willing to accept it as a rescue through your vet, especially 1ce they see it's condition.

by all means, though, try to help that poor doggie!

:pals:

[Bossy Monkey]

13. what the iowa law states about neglected animals....

If it were me, I would contact the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. They have procedures for cruelty investigation:

http://www.arl-iowa.org/programs/CrueltyInvest.asp

I think that just taking the dog--as tempting as it may be--is not the best solution, since this is your neighbor we're talking about here and other neighbors may see you take it. If you decide to contact the ARL, do tell them that you would be willing to provide a home for the dog.

Poor little pup. You're very sweet for looking after her.

[Ilsa]

15. I bet they don't even notice she's gone. Do the right thing and

do whatever you need to to take care of the poor dog. Blessings on you.

[Floogeldy]

17. Don't steal someone's property. Call Animal Control.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

32. The dog will probably end up in a shelter and if it's too shy...

it may be put down for not passing a temperment test when it really just needs work. She should get it out of there and to someone who's willing to at least foster it for a bit.

[jukes]

65. agreed, haruk

a county shelter is a death-sentence. the local vet might know a foster that can work w/ the animal; often the vet-techs will do this kind od care at home in their off-hours.

[Nicole]

19. Steal? No Rescue? Yes

That poor dog definitely needs to be rescued.

[JVS]

20. Either call the authorities or do nothing.

It isn't your place to appropriate the house-pets of other people

[jukes]

66. respectfully disagree, JVS

we're not talking about an abandoned car. this animal is suffering; dogs are pack-animals by nature and NEED companionship. this 1 also seems to be denied the most basic of necessities, food & water.

i can't stand idly by and wqatch an animal neglected, any more than i cd ignore a neglected child. civic-duty & humanitarianism demands action!

[xchrom]

21. she's a whole little being -- asking for help!

go get her -- and figure it out on the fly.

tell them she ran away -- and you found her at your place and fell in love with her.

something.

whatever -- but she's TRYING to tell you she wants to be yours.

[driver8]

55. I agree with this post 100%!!

She knows a kind person when she sees one and she knows that you will give her the life that she deserves.

Poor little thing...stupid fucking people.

[ScreamingMeemie]

22. Oh no! I want to see this dog rescued, but I don't want to see you

arrested for theft. I would contact the police and let them know what you told us (dog out, owners gone) there are laws against leaving a dog out for that long. They will take the dog, and you can go and collect her after investigation. But, please, don't get yourself into trouble. :hug: Poor puppy. What a wonderful human you are.

[Deep13]

24. The word "steal" should tell you what the answer is.

The fact that the theft is from someone else's yard would be an aggravating factor for sentencing. However sentimental people get about pets, they are still property and are not "rescued" unless they are in fact lost.

[Name removed]

37. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jukes]

67. the OP clearly mentioned that the dog

approached her off the "owner's" property. since civilized local governments have leash-laws, that makes it a stray.

my concern is the harassement she may have to endure from obviously sub-human neighbors, not legal action. hence, "disappearing" the dog. if the neglectful owners don't see it, they'll asssume it "done runned off."

problem solved.

[wildhorses]

25. you say stealing, I say rescue

why argue semantics?
Just do it!!!

[Deep13]

26. The cops will say "steal."

[wildhorses]

30. don't get caught

those dirty coppers!!!

[WindRavenX]

50. and I say fuck the PoPo

We're talking about a living, breathing, neglected being. Not a TV that looks like it needs a good dust.

I can't believe people are treating a sentinel being as an inanimate object that is mere property. :(

Rescue that animal.

[driver8]

56. I agree...it is saving a life, not stealing!!

This is an animal with feelings...not a f*cking DVD player. She deserves a life of happiness free from the bullshit that she has been put through.

The people that have her now don't give a sh*t.

[arwalden]

27. You're Getting BAD ADVICE In This Thread...

Unless you're willing to accept the legal jeopardy you would put yourself in by taking the BAD ADVICE... then you should NOT be a vigilante. You should not take the law into your own hands.

I doubt anyone could hold you legally responsible for providing food and water (although a case could be made for trespassing, it probably wouldn't stick.)

It's a tragic story that someone is neglecting their pet... but until a court says otherwise, it's still THEIR pet. Not yours. -- Your safest bet is to CALL THE AUTHORITIES and let those people who are AUTHORIZED to take action be the ones to take action.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

29. Well in some areas the AUTHORITIES are BAD with stuff like this.

I don't recommend she keeps the dog at her house. She should get it out of there and then away. I was actually once involved in a rescue like this. It was the best thing to be done.

[arwalden]

33. Oh, How Easy It Is For Folks To Recommend CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR...

I guess such advice is easy to dole out... especially considering that those who GIVE the advice are NOT the ones who end up taking the RISK, eh?

Such recommendations and attempts to disguise ILLEGAL activity as being "noble" or "brave" ring pretty hollow when the one who gives such advice has nothing to lose. (But it sure looks good in print.)

I wonder if those who so eagerly advise such illegal behavior will also be equally eager to pay for the legal defense (and lost wages)?

It looks to me as though unchecked emotions are running amok over rational thought. This thread is getting very kooky. :eyes: :silly:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

36. I once stole an abused sick cat from it's owner so it's a risk I've taken.

I wouldn't recommend anything I wouldn't do. Some things are worth the risk. I've also been arrested for civil disobedience. I'll take the risk for what I believe in. If you wouldn't do it then fine, but it's his/her choice to weigh the options.

[arwalden]

40. Yet So Many Here Recommend This "Option", But NEGLECT To Mention...

... the risks. They NEGLECTED to point out that it's criminal, and that it could be costly. Arrest, possible detention while waiting to post bail, court fees, lawyer fees, restitution, criminal record, community service, possible jail time, loss of job/wages, disruption to family.

<< I wouldn't recommend anything I wouldn't do. >>

Oh, how noble! :eyes: I suppose it's all very easy to recommend illegal behavior when someone ELSE is taking all the risk.

<< If you wouldn't do it then fine, but it's his/her choice to weigh the options. >>

Maybe I overlooked something, but the recommendations for engaging in CRIMINAL behavior did not include any information about the personal, legal, and financial risks involved.

If you really want to help someone "weigh the options" (as you say) then I think the only FAIR thing for you to do would to also be honest about the RISKS as well.

I notice that you weren't so thorough... you weren't very forthcoming in explaining those risks. Why?

<< I'll take the risk for what I believe in. >>

And apparently you're also willing to let someone ELSE take the risk for what YOU believe in.

I hate to break it to you, but real life is not like a drunken "Free Willy" movie.

Charming.

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[arwalden]

63. Cut The Shit, Flvegan!

You're a day late. The dog has already been rescued by the authorities. I strongly suggest that you stop looking for trouble.

Here's a picture of a pretty waterfall for you to look at.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

64. Terrarist!

Animal rights activists are terrorists.

:sarcasm:

[Maddy McCall]

59. I agree.

:thumbsup:

[CornField]

31. Okay-- stop the fighting. Police & a rescue group came this morning

They assessed the situation and took the pup. :) The neighbors still have not returned home. Since they are renters and behind on their payments (something I did not know) it is questionable if they will be returning at all.

[arwalden]

34. Smart Decision! Glad You Made The RIGHT Choice!

:thumbsup: That's FANTASTIC news!!

I'm glad you were able to help. I hope the puppy finds a good home.

[Mutley]

35. Good. You very likely saved a life.

:thumbsup:

[skygazer]

43. I'm glad to see this

When I clicked on this thread, I was going to reply and point out that the dog has been abandoned so "stealing" didn't really fit. I'm glad you did what you did. :applause:

[jpgray]

45. Nice work! But strife will continue on DU

What animal control can rescue us Loungers from ourselves? :cry:

:D

[Blue Diadem]

46. Thank you for saving her CornField! I'm glad she's safe now.

:yourock:


edited to correct the gender of the dear little dog. Dumb ass me thought it was a he.

[Gold Metal Flake]

54. Good for you!

I'm glad you took action, and relieved that the dog is getting care. You probably saved a life.

:yourock:

[driver8]

57. Please let us know if you hear anything!! n/t

[Maddy McCall]

60. Good for the pup, Corn Field.

:thumbsup:

You did the right thing.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

61. Contact the rescue group

if you're interested in adopting the pup. It sounds like she already has a relationship with you. Thank you for caring about her... :hug::hug::hug:

[Coyote_Bandit]

68. Dealt with a similiar situation once

Dog was chained with a heavy chain in the backyard during the heat of summer. He had a water bowl which was empty because it had a hole in the bottom. No food. His owner was in jail on drug charges. Animal rescue and city pound refused to become involved. Owners parents owned the home and lived out of area. They refused to bail their child out of jail. But when made aware of the situation with the dog they consented to have it removed. Dog was placed and adopted within just a few days of being rescued.

Since local rescue groups and authorities were unwilling to intervene, we called the local tv news problem solvers. They were willing to carry the story but the situation was resolved before they got film footage. Apparently nobody wanted to be a part of that story.

[Call Me Wesley]

69. Locking.

The dog is safe thanks to the OP.

This thread unfortunately isn't. But here I am to the rescue!

Thank you!

Call Me Wesley
DU Moderator