re: Why The Sit Command Is Important April 1st, 2008

drlarry — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:36:41 GMT

Dr. Larry:

Is is okay for animal control to take loving dogs from a loving owner if the neighbors make false complaints to animal control? I know a man involved in a neighborhood dispute; due to their dislike of their neighbor, the neighbors knew the best way to get to him was through his animals so they made false complaints. Only phone calls, no proof of any injuries, resulted in 4 loving dogs to be placed on death row. The dogs were evaluated by a well-known animal behavior specialist (at insistence and expense of the owner) and found to be not even remotely dangerous. These dogs are all rescues, and not considered dangerous breeds. Any suggestions for this situation? This man has paid thousands to keep his dogs alive. Any advice will help. The dogs should not have to suffer.

re: Why The Sit Command Is Important April 1st, 2008

drlarry — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:38:29 GMT

Dear Reader Assuming the dogs were not roaming freely or had been involved in attacking people, livestock, or other animals, and assuming they had food, water, shelter, vaccinations, and were well cared for, and assuming the man never made direct or indirect threats to use his dogs against his neighbors, this is unusual.

My experience with both animal control and state humane officers is that they need to either a: witness the complained behavior themselves; b. have corroborating evidence; or c. assess and meet the dogs at their home to see what the conditions are and to determine if further action (citation, warning, quarrentine, or incarceration) is needed. You and I were not there and don't know what the officers witnessed on the scene especially if we're getting the "facts" 2nd or 3rd hand from people with a stake in the situation.

Now, most jurisdictions in city and suburban areas have a 3 dog limit; and having more than 3 could be a problem unless you're out in a zoned farm or rural area. Not sure whether this figured into it or not.

If the dogs have been evaulated independently, then the owner may have grounds for appeal to the animal control, or the governmental agency that oversees it, or with an attorney, be able to get an injunction and court hearing to try to resolve the matter.