On Saturday, 6/27, I called Animal Control about the dogs across the street. One of them, a Golden mix, was tied out. She had wound her long rope around a swing set, and was caught in 90-95 degree heat. I heard her bark that distress bark that you come to know, if you have dogs. I've been rescuing for 20 years, and I know that sound well. These people are problem people. I won't go into it, but I determined to call in Animal Control, rather than approach them directly. Animal Control came out, tried to get them to answer the door (car was there in driveway), and they wouldn't. Officer went into yard, unwound the dog, and left a message on their door. I talked to the officer out front, even though I knew the people would know it was me who had turned them in. I had to know if the other dog in the yard was ok, etc. The officer said the Golden had no extra shade other than the dog house, which she could reach. Code says extra shade has to be provided, as the dog house can get very hot. So they weren't in compliance, the officer said. Yesterday just after 7 pm I went out the front door with my dh. The young woman across the street, dog owner, glared at me blatently. Last night, just after 9 pm, a car went by the front of my house, and what sounded like a gun shot went off. Then the car sped away. The woman's husband/boyfriend, right after they moved in about 2 months ago, rushed out of the house calling her the F word and using it over and over again. Very volatile. They are living there because the woman's dad is a police officer, and he moved out and let them move in. He's also volatile and used the F word extensively while living here, outside where we all could hear it. So, I'm writing this to see what you think I should do about this: Should I hope they got the tantrum out of their systems about my turning them in to Animal Control, and just let some time go by? Or, should I go see the woman's dad, the police officer, and have him take their of the situation? Thanks for your help.
If the dad policeman is also volatile I sure wouldn't want to deal with him. If you think you're hearing gun shots I would call your local law enforcement and tell them what's going on.
Good for you for turning them in. Too much of this goes on. I'm a dog lover too, have one that has been attacked by a loose german shepherd, along with my Dh, while out walking. It can become a horrible mess. I don't think I would talk to the Dad/policeman, but go to the chief of police. It should be reported about the gun shots particularly and the chief should know what has happened. Please be careful to keep yourself safe.
Thanks, Bluedaze and Vickie. I appreciate your input. I'm keeping a log of what happens. I'm going to wait a few days, to see if their temper tantrum runs it's course. The old path of least resistance. I'm afraid if I escalate it further, even by going to the dad, it will persist. If I leave it alone, I hope in a few days they'll have paid me back enough in their eyes. I will say that the woman's dad/cop respects me. We were neighbors for 5 years. He knows how I love animals, and how I treated my dogs. So I think if I go to him, he will take care of the situation. But let's see if I can first just let this all go by, and see if they run out of steam. If not, then I will approach the dad. It does grate on my nerves, though. Wow.
I also vote for notifying the police about what's been going on, especially the gunshot. They may be willing to just increase the number of times a patrol car drives down your street. That in itself would be reassuring to you and make your neighbors think twice about any possible vandalism etc.
I would keep an eye out, but leave it to animal control. Anytime you see the animals neglected/in danger - call them. If you live in a small town I am sure it would get back to him.
As for the 'gun shot' it could have been fireworks too. It is that time of year. He might have had a firecracker or similar that they set off. Good idea to keep a log.
Yes, I'm wondering now if it wasn't fireworks. It might have been. But done by them. Just too much of a coincidence, that it occurred outside our home. I feel unsafe.