Okay so this dog was in the grooming shop a few days ago. it was a chow / cocker spaniel mix (or so they said). it was all black, about the size of an overweight Cocker Spaniel, but definitely no more then 40lbs.
That's my boss / breeding mentor. She is 5'4"-5'5" and it extended above her head when fully stretched. The dog was so matted that it couldn't wag it's tail, turn it's head, and his back thighs were connected with a mat.
Would you consider this neglect or abuse? The dog was in a lot of pain when we shaved it, and had several hot spots afterwards, but seemed happy once we were done that it could move around.
My boss was very upset and was going to rip the owner a new one, but the owner sent her mother, so we wouldn't do much other then say that the dog was very matted.
Do you consider this neglect?
Update:Whoops, here's the picture:
http://img40.imageshack.us/i/photo0063q.jpg/
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Yes, but I bet the law doesn't. Do you think these people owned the dog or just rescued it. It would be pointless to rip the owner a new one, narcissistic people do not comprehend what they do wrong. In their mind they are right and the world is wrong, they don't have a problem, you do. In their mind they would be incapable of taking responsibility for their actions and behaviors, they wouldn't comprehend what you say to them. I am sorry you and your boss had to see such abuse, that must be hard to take. Peace be with you.
I would have been so BLUNT that I wouldn't ever care if they returned, however....that baby was surely in discomfort with a site like that! She must have been shedding over shedding, without it being combed out. That alone is irritating to the dogs skin.
I would have said more to very bluntly make a point that this is/was unnacceptable, but then I've already warned my husband and family that if I every so much as look at a dog that seems abused and not cared for, OR abused, I would need someone to pull me away, because lets face it, they certainly can't talk for themselves. I would have to be their voice and savior.
This was cruel and pitiful for these owners to let this poor baby get to this point. Same on them.
Hi Willow, Thanks for your post.
I was expecting to see a picture of the dog, not the clipped mats.
This is a severe case of neglect but very borderline abuse alright.
Anyway, IMHO this is abuse. Bottom Line.
A dog can be apprehended in the condition that you described.
How disgraceful! The poor dog.
There was a story I read, in a pamphlet from our local animal control.
It stated that about how important grooming is in that if a dog, particularly one with a lot of hair, is not groomed regularly, the hair can mat so badly around it's legs that the circulation could be cut right off.
If it were me I would of called animal control and had the woman charged with animal abuse and have the dog apprehended so to be placed in a more thoughtful and caring home.
I weep for our fellow animals friends who are treated with way less respect that what they are entitled to.
It is absolutely neglect, abuse, and cruelty.
Please report anything you observe to the proper authorities! It's not as if the animal can speak for themselves, it's up to all of us to watch out for them.
It makes me so angry to see all the injustices done to 'beloved pets'. I especially hate when people get animals they can't handle or care for properly. I adopted a 7 year old Afghan Hound from a woman on freecycle a few months ago. He was utterly, disgustingly filthy, his hair had all been hacked at with scissors, and he had mats and dead leaves, stickers, and grass tangled into his fur.
If you cannot or will not spend the time, effort, or money necessary for a high maintenance coat:
a) Keep them shorn so maintenance is easier
b) Take them regularly to a groomer
c) Don't get the dog. Better yet, don't get a dog at all since it clearly requires more time than you're willing to spend!
Sorry for the rant.
Yes Absolutely
Absolutely I would call that neglect. That poor dog must have been in absolute agony. Maybe the animal authorities had already been onto them and that is why they got the dog shaved. I would maybe follow them up in a couple of months and let them know that they should look at getting the dog groomed again.
HOLY COW THAT'S A LOT OF MATTED HAIR! yes i consider that neglect, if that dog ever comes back, or even i you know where the owner lives, i would defiantly get the humane society on her
Yes, such an amount of matted fur, is actually quite painfull, and must have taken a long time of simple neglect for the dogs fur to get to that point. Thats just unacceptable.
The way the hair is all matted, i would have to say yes. It looks like he hasn't been bathed for ever! People should really take care of their dogs... I hate seeing abandoned animals and such...
Yes, that's hideous.
You should not have a dog if you cannot meet its grooming requirements.
Not entirely sure whether you should call somebody because the fact remains she at least cared about the dog to bring him to the groomers. I think she's probably just ineducated. You should probably talk to her.