Bless that poor poor dog :( And shame on his owners!!!
Have you actually spoken to them? That may be all it takes.
And report them as soon as!
With the letter I would put something along the lines of "I have seen your dog out in this cold weather on several occasions. He is obviously distressed and shivering with cold. It is your duty to provide a heated dog house. If not I will be taking this further"
And remember to get photographic/video evidence if you can.
I know you don't want to make an enemies but the welfare of this animal overrides any civility you may wish to have.
Either the dog owner is just plainly ignorant, they don't have the proper means to care for the dog & shouldn't have the dog or they don't care in which they shouldn't have the dog.
Dogs can freeze to death just as humans can. This dog would be better off being cared for by a shelter where it will have warmth then in freezing weather. At that age, this dog needs warmth was it's joints and low fat reserve.
You can try leaving a note (I would find information on the internet or in a library about dog care in relation to heat/warmth requirements) and leave it in their mailbox but if you know them, why not just print off the information and give it too them and talk about your concerns and ask if they can bring the dog into the garage or something during such cold nights and even offer to find old blankets that they can put in the doghouse.
I would see about getting it some old blankets as soon as possible (ask people if they have any old blankets or quilts that they are willing to give to you. You can even tell them why--they might feel sorry for the dog plus offer advise.
If the dogs owner doesn't change or refuse the blankets or you're unable to give it blankets, it's time to call Animal Control. But please don't wait too long. This is a very serious situation. It doesn't take much for a dog to go into hypothermia and die. The dogs age puts it at high risk.
I would skip the letter and report the person to animal control. I know where I live the cops won't tell the individual who reported them.
If you still want to write the letter, I would write it anonymously and leave it on their door when they were not home. That way you do not make enemies. The best way would be to phrase the letter so that it is not accusatory. "I'm not sure that you're aware..." "I noticed your dog seemed to be a bit cold and I didn't know if you had noticed..." "The other day I came by to visit and you weren't here, but I noticed your dog was out in the cold..." are some ways you could begin.
Ya call your local animal control/ASPCA.. if they brush you off, call the police non-emergency number in your town. YOu must put a complaint on record for the prosecutors to have as evidence should they take the dog and begin a neglect charge.
(MY malamute stays outside in this kind of weather, but then again, he's a malamute... not a GS cross. He actually is quite happy in this weather, and will sunbathe during the day and curl up during the night. I wouldnt recommend most breeds live outdoors in this type of weather, but a malamute or siberian husky does well.)
While I'm not advocating the care these people are taking of their dog, you do need to check into the legal requirements for providing a dog shelter in your area. I've never heard of requiring a HEATED dog house. Most locales require adequate shelter of the proper size for the dog and with a way of keeping the wind out (blanket over the door) combined with some type of bedding (straw).
Call your local animal control to ask about the requirements.
So how do you know the dog is 13? Sounds like you know these people.
Post an anonymous note to the Animal Welfare/Control people in your area stating that a GSD has been observed neglected outdoors in -5F weather at this particular property.
Your best bet is to keep it short and simple. Don't spend a lot of time trying to "soften the blow" on them, just say what you need to say in as few words as possible. Plainly state your concern, and even include any resulting action you may take in the event that they do not remedy the situation. The odds of you making enemies depends on the stubborn inhumanity of the people. If they get mad over the fact that you dont want their dog to freeze to death, then don't take it personally. They are clearly morons.
Having enemies means that you have, at least once in your life, stood up for something...
yeah, a letter isnt going to do much, but if you must;
Dear idiot,
Your breed of dog is not meant for freezing cold weather. Please either take him indoors, get him a heated dog house, or find him a new owner. If nothing is done, i will allert the authorities of this animal abuse. please find it in your heart to take care of this animal.
Happy Hollidays,
A concerned citizen.
then give them like 3 days and if it doesnt look like anything is done call the cops.
Most people think "its a dog and its ok to leave him in the cold/ heat". i know the retards above us are the same with their chihuahua. they leave him out in 100+ degree weather without water or shade. luckily you can reach the balcony and give the dog icecubes and water.... we spray the hose up there too and wet him down.
I would say "hey it colder than usual, I hope your dog will okay out in this weather." If they don't get the hint. Call animal control to see if anything can be done. I believe that can be done without having to give your name.
I noticed your dog might be having some trouble. I also noticed its been very cold out lately. My deepest concerns for your pet, for you dog might be very uncomfortable. I would hate to see a dog being so cold. I would be happy to help you. Maybe i can take care of your dog for you?
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Bless that poor poor dog :( And shame on his owners!!!
Have you actually spoken to them? That may be all it takes.
And report them as soon as!
With the letter I would put something along the lines of "I have seen your dog out in this cold weather on several occasions. He is obviously distressed and shivering with cold. It is your duty to provide a heated dog house. If not I will be taking this further"
And remember to get photographic/video evidence if you can.
I know you don't want to make an enemies but the welfare of this animal overrides any civility you may wish to have.
Either the dog owner is just plainly ignorant, they don't have the proper means to care for the dog & shouldn't have the dog or they don't care in which they shouldn't have the dog.
Dogs can freeze to death just as humans can. This dog would be better off being cared for by a shelter where it will have warmth then in freezing weather. At that age, this dog needs warmth was it's joints and low fat reserve.
You can try leaving a note (I would find information on the internet or in a library about dog care in relation to heat/warmth requirements) and leave it in their mailbox but if you know them, why not just print off the information and give it too them and talk about your concerns and ask if they can bring the dog into the garage or something during such cold nights and even offer to find old blankets that they can put in the doghouse.
I would see about getting it some old blankets as soon as possible (ask people if they have any old blankets or quilts that they are willing to give to you. You can even tell them why--they might feel sorry for the dog plus offer advise.
If the dogs owner doesn't change or refuse the blankets or you're unable to give it blankets, it's time to call Animal Control. But please don't wait too long. This is a very serious situation. It doesn't take much for a dog to go into hypothermia and die. The dogs age puts it at high risk.
Here's a link regarding dog's and hypothermia
http://www.dogtopics.com/163/hypothermia-and-frost...
I would skip the letter and report the person to animal control. I know where I live the cops won't tell the individual who reported them.
If you still want to write the letter, I would write it anonymously and leave it on their door when they were not home. That way you do not make enemies. The best way would be to phrase the letter so that it is not accusatory. "I'm not sure that you're aware..." "I noticed your dog seemed to be a bit cold and I didn't know if you had noticed..." "The other day I came by to visit and you weren't here, but I noticed your dog was out in the cold..." are some ways you could begin.
Ya call your local animal control/ASPCA.. if they brush you off, call the police non-emergency number in your town. YOu must put a complaint on record for the prosecutors to have as evidence should they take the dog and begin a neglect charge.
(MY malamute stays outside in this kind of weather, but then again, he's a malamute... not a GS cross. He actually is quite happy in this weather, and will sunbathe during the day and curl up during the night. I wouldnt recommend most breeds live outdoors in this type of weather, but a malamute or siberian husky does well.)
While I'm not advocating the care these people are taking of their dog, you do need to check into the legal requirements for providing a dog shelter in your area. I've never heard of requiring a HEATED dog house. Most locales require adequate shelter of the proper size for the dog and with a way of keeping the wind out (blanket over the door) combined with some type of bedding (straw).
Call your local animal control to ask about the requirements.
So how do you know the dog is 13? Sounds like you know these people.
Post an anonymous note to the Animal Welfare/Control people in your area stating that a GSD has been observed neglected outdoors in -5F weather at this particular property.
Your best bet is to keep it short and simple. Don't spend a lot of time trying to "soften the blow" on them, just say what you need to say in as few words as possible. Plainly state your concern, and even include any resulting action you may take in the event that they do not remedy the situation. The odds of you making enemies depends on the stubborn inhumanity of the people. If they get mad over the fact that you dont want their dog to freeze to death, then don't take it personally. They are clearly morons.
Having enemies means that you have, at least once in your life, stood up for something...
yeah, a letter isnt going to do much, but if you must;
Dear idiot,
Your breed of dog is not meant for freezing cold weather. Please either take him indoors, get him a heated dog house, or find him a new owner. If nothing is done, i will allert the authorities of this animal abuse. please find it in your heart to take care of this animal.
Happy Hollidays,
A concerned citizen.
then give them like 3 days and if it doesnt look like anything is done call the cops.
Most people think "its a dog and its ok to leave him in the cold/ heat". i know the retards above us are the same with their chihuahua. they leave him out in 100+ degree weather without water or shade. luckily you can reach the balcony and give the dog icecubes and water.... we spray the hose up there too and wet him down.
but no, letters and complaints do nothing.
I would say "hey it colder than usual, I hope your dog will okay out in this weather." If they don't get the hint. Call animal control to see if anything can be done. I believe that can be done without having to give your name.
Dear sir,
I noticed your dog might be having some trouble. I also noticed its been very cold out lately. My deepest concerns for your pet, for you dog might be very uncomfortable. I would hate to see a dog being so cold. I would be happy to help you. Maybe i can take care of your dog for you?