Is this abuse?

[Bonnie]

I have been struggling with this for some time, and I do not know what to do. I have talked to several people about this, and some believe that it is not abuse, but most do. I am no expert on this subject, so that is why I joined this website to get outside opinion. I really believe that these people do not understand how to train and live with a dog, and that is their biggest problem. These are the situations that I have experienced, please tell me if you think that this is abuse:

The dog has been slapped in the face, thrown across a carpet, and kicked in my presence.

The owners cannot control the dog, and have bought a shock collar and leave it on her all of the time, and shock her whenever she does something they do not like. The dog was never trained how to heel, and when they walk her they repeatedly shock the dog and she begins to foam at the mouth.

The dog has a problem with one of her paws. She cannot put any weight on it. I noticed this back on Halloween, and I asked when they were taking her to the vet. They responded, "I get paid on the 7th." I think it's horrible to make a dog suffer with that. BUT --- I did see them giving her Tylenol.

I have offered my advice multiple times, such as it's never a good thing to hit a dog and why, how to properly train her to heel, etc etc etc. Nothing has been done.

So, is this abuse, and what should I do about it? Many people have told me to call animal control. I feel really guilty about that. One of the dog's owners was the maid of honor at my wedding, so I would feel so bad about reporting them. But every time I see this happening it breaks my heart. I'm so torn ... :(

Thank you


So, I do not think animal control has done anything yet. The man that I talked to on the phone (last Thursday) said he would send someone over either that Thursday or Friday, and I haven't heard anything from animal control or the abusers. On another note, I ended my relationship with them today which did not go over well. Thank God those people are out of my life, and hopefully animal control will do their job.

[Lani]

Yes that would be abuse, because of owners that didn't bother to properly train or understand their dog. Neglecting vet care is major, and the physical and psychological abuse you describe here can not be allowed to continue. You need to report it, friend or not...don't let this animal suffer.

[Jenny Wilkie]

I agree with Lani...they need to be reported. It can be an anonymous call, they don't need to know who made the call. But they don't seem to understand how to interact with their pet, and neglecting vet care for an injury is just wrong. There are plenty of options out there for low cost care or payment plans; the dog should not suffer. If there's an open wound, it could get infected by the time it's treated. And the inappropriate use of the shock collar is going to cause more harm than good...!

[Darrell]

1) definitely abuse

2) tylenol can kill a dog

3) delaying injury treatment is a crime

4) report them to your local humane society

5) big deal! you over-estimated the person you chose for maid of honor. part of life is correcting bad decisions made earlier in life. time to help the dog.

[Bonnie]

Thank you. You guys are so right.

[Barbara]

I agree with Darrell. These people are mean-spirited morons who should not have dogs or children, for that matter. Who cares if she was a maid-of-honor? Clearly, she hid her true self from you or has changed into a monster. By abusing her dog, she lost all rights to be treated with compassion, in my opinion. Call animal control, the police, the SPCA...anyone who can help that poor dog who is helpless to help himself. Do you have the numbers you need?

[Belles]

I'd call the police.. no worries about that. These people would NOT be friends of mine any longer.

[Belles]

They are abusing the dog by hitting, kicking and using a shock collar on her.. they are neglecting her by not getting her into the vet.

My God!!! Do they want a dog or a freaking punching bag?? If so, get a freaking punching bag and give the dog to someone who will appreciate her!!!!

Tylenol?? OMG..

[the donald]

bonnie time for better friends. its abuse

[Bonnie]

You guys are right. I called animal control today and they are going to send someone over their home today or tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for giving me the encouragement to do the right thing. And I'm letting her know that we are no longer friends soon.

[the donald]

good for you. your a better person for doing that. im proud of you

[Bonnie]

Thank you! :)

[Belles]

You are a good soul.. Donald is not the only one who would love to give you a big hug. Thank you!