What can I do?

[Virgil Night]

Just last night I witnessed something that chilled me to my marrow - My dogs started barking at the fence and I walked over to see what the fuss was about. When I followed their train of focus, I saw my neighbor's young son with their small dog on a leash in front of his house. This boy was roughly jerking the dog around. He then dragged it over to the driveway right up against a vehicle (I'm guessing where he could be less visible) and at that point I saw his arm go up and come down several times - I knew he was hitting this poor dog because I heard it yelp! It gets worse - he then dragged and jerked the dog toward the street, stopped and pulled the dog's back against his legs and pulled up, both choking the dog and bending it almost in half backwards until it cried out. Watching in absolute horror and disbelief up to this point, I started screaming at him to stop, shouting, "STOP! What are you doing? Why are you doing that?! How would you like someone doing that to you?!" At that moment, his mother burst through the storm door and started yelling - no, not at him, mind you, but at me! Unfortunately, my dogs went into such a frenzy I couldn't make out a word. It's important to note that this family lived here before and left for another military installation two years ago. I truly hoped they wouldn't return because there was an ongoing problem with them abusing and neglecting their previous dog (a dog which mysteriously vanished one day...) I and other neighbors called the local ASPCA constantly to report this dog howling & being left out in the most extreme weather conditions, day & night without food & water. Nothing was ever done to stop this cycle of abuse because the prerequisite doghouse was in the yard...anyway, last night after this happened I called ASPCA to file a report, but then had to beg them not to dispatch an officer because I'm terrified these people would retaliate by somehow hurting my dogs. I can't imagine how dysfunctional a family would have to be have a young child be so obviously cruel to an animal, and yet, their track record makes it no real surprise. I can't live with knowing this sweet dog is being mistreated but don't know how to take action without them guessing it's me and possibly doing something terrible to my babies... what can I do?

[JenniferO]

Oh my goodness, that is so horrible. Do you know any of your other neighbors so that you can go to the police or the SPCA as a group and not be singled out for reporting them?

[Virgil Night]

Jenifer & Bernie,

Thandks so much - the group idea is a great one and bolsters my confidence a lot. The president of our homeowner's association lives two houses away from this family and right across the street from me, so he could certainly be another eye witness. I'll see what I can organize this weekend!

[Bernie Campbell]

I would keep an eye out for this to happen again, and try to record it somehow. The family and especially the son have the disturbing issues Dr. Lockwood was talking about. You may be able to get Children & Families involved since this child is definitely heading down the wrong path. Talk with other neighbors and see if they can do the same. You may even be able to get the military base involved, I was military for 12 years, and they try to take care of their own, plus they do not want bad publicity! Good Luck and my heart goes out to you.

[Linda W]

Beg, Borrow, Rent, or steal a video camera. Actions speak louder then words. Authorities Can't ignore photographic evidence and that kind of action/behavior is NOT acceptable anywhere.

[Virgil Night]

Linda, I'm on it. You don't know how badly I wished I had a camcorder last night so I could provide irrefutable evidence. Just called a friend to borrow one... meanwhile, even though I'm being proactive it gives me the sickest feeling to be preparing for some potential act of evil I hope against hope doesn't ever happen!

[Dr. Randall Lockwood]

You are facing one of the most common problems - where and what to report. If the local SPCA is not responsive, you should report this act (which IS a crime) to the local police or sheriff's dept. Your fear that such an act might cause retaliation is legitimate and that fear should be shared with law enforcement so that they can reinforce the message that ANY criminal actions by any members of the family will be have seriious consequences. Still, if you decide to take the necessary action you should take steps to further protect your own animals - perhaps even to the extreme of finding them temporary safe housing until the problems are dealt with.

I feel that a report should also be made to Child Protective Services, since my own work has demonstrated that children capable of such actions are frequently themselves victims of family violence. This could also provoke retaliation - but nothing will change with this family without intervention.

[Virgil Night]

Dr. Lockwood, thank you so much for the sound advise. I plan to stay pro-active on this, as I can't in good conscience live with the alternatives. I actually grieve as much for this child as for the pet, and believe immediate action may be the only way to save them both.

[Cordelia Jones]

Hi,

That is a horrible and most frightening story about the young boy abusing that poor little dog. I cannot even imagine seeing that. And, almost more horrifying is that his mother yelled at you for trying to stop him. This is a family that is most dysfunctional and cruel. I know you are worried about their retaliating against you or your pets if you call the ASPCA or Humane Society, but you have to do this and now. That little boy is going to hurt that dog beyond repair or kill it. I would call your ASPCA and tell them what is going on and how you are afraid that they will harm your animals as well. The ASPCA, depending on where you live, might have full police powers and can arrest, at minimum, the parents of this child. I think the laws dictate that a minor cannot be held culpable for the cruelty via the courts, but the parents can. I am so sorry you are in a horrible situation and I sympathize with you, but not only is this child a menace and animal torturer, he needs mental help. Cordelia

[Virgil Night]

Cordelia, thanks for your response & sympathy... I did speak at length last night with ASPCA, even talked to the Sargeant in charge. He was the one who determined, based on episodes in the past with this family, that if he went out last night they would immediately connect the complaint to me... he also said this would probably end up in family court, which is a very difficult process and hard to prosecute. But I said to him exactly what you just said - this boy is mentally disturbed and needs help. There is no point trying to reason with these people, a whole group of my neighbors and I tried when they lived here before to intervene on behalf of their other dog. We were told to mind our own business and that they were "getting rid of that dog anyway..." I shudder to think of how that played out, because one day the dog was just simply gone :( I will say that while last night's experience left me shaking for hours, I have every intention of staying on this... the Sargeant said he was pulling all the prior reports and asked me to keep an eagle eye on the situation and call right away if I see further abuse. My biggest fear, honestly, is that I WON'T see anything and meanwhile the dog will be suffering. So I have determined to call back in a few days when there's less chance they'll connect the call with me and ask ASPCA to thoroughly check the situation out. I wish I had higher hopes for a positive outcome, but Delaware law makes it so hard to stop this kind of abuse.

[Bernie Campbell]

Virgil, Please keep us up to date on the progress of this situation, I will be saying prayers.

[Cordelia Jones]

Dear Virgil:

I like Bernie as well as others here are 100% behind you and will say prayers for you as well as that poor little dog. Please keep us informed as to how this turns out. More people like you keep a vigilent eye out for this type of cruelty is great! Cordelia

[Virgil Night]

Cordelia & all, thank you so much for your words of support! I will keep you in the loop and rest asured I'm determined to stand in the gap however possible for both the dog and this child. My motto - never surrender!