Chained dog, help!

Question
Some people up the street have a german shepherd chained in their yard.

He seems very sick, and looks malnourished (VERY skinny, lathargic)

He is tied to a post in the front yard, with no dog house, and one container, I suppose for water, but it is clear so I can see it is usually empty.

He looks very depressed and lonely and once, we (me and my black and white dog Beachi) were walking by and saw a man out throwing sticks at him and yelling!

I called the police, but nothing seemed to change.

Today, I was walking by in the pouring rain and he was sitting there, sopping, and looking very hungry and sicker than he did. What should I do, I love this dog!

Answer

Hi Debbie,

It's very sad to hear that these people are neglecting their dog, but it's great you're interested in helping. Have you contacted the ASPCA in your area? Have you followed up with the police to see who is responsible for investigating and enforcing the anti-cruelty codes in your town?  If your local police department is unable to help with this, ask your local shelter or animal control agency for advice. If you happen to live in NYC, and need to report animal cruelty, call 311.

The ASPCA's searchable database of more than 13,000 local SPCAs, humane societies and animal control organizations. Find your local ASPCA or shelter to report this case of animal cruelty:

http://www.aspca.org/adopt/shelters


Here is some info on the animal cruelty laws in NY State:

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/statestatutes/stusnyset.htm


Have you ever attempted to talk to this dog's owners? If you were to offer to "take it off their hands" and maybe offer an "adoption fee" they might be willing to surrender the dog to you. If nobody is home, can you go by and lay food down for the dog?

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti