Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What can i do about saving an abused animal i have in my custody?

My aunt and uncle are in a very serious divorce, there is PFA's and property documents at hand.
Prior to the court papers, when my uncle was packing, I stopped to say hi. His dog had "got in the way" and I watched my uncle kick him repeatedly %26screamed how he was going to kill him if he didn't move. I do NOT tolerate such behaviour %26kindly offered to take care of Oso (dog) until he had time %26was settled.
I have had Oso at my house for the past 3 weeks. My uncle wants him back now, as does my aunt. The dog is on medication for open wounds ("allergic reaction" according to my uncle. i beg to differ) Tonight my uncle showed up in a SERIOUS rage, threatening to charge theft if I don't return the dog to HIM.
I've spoke to police, told them i was concerned with the dogs safety and would not relinquish the dog. Officer told me "i don't think he would hit him." I witnessed it! How to I get someone else involved that is concerned with Oso's safety and will not choose sides.
Answers:
I would recommend you call your local animal officials/spca/etc. to get someone who will hear your concerns and monitor your uncle and the dog. They could also try to do some tests to see if the dog reacts badly in any way such as sensitivity to the place your uncle kicked him or if the dog will cower away from your uncle. I completely understand your feelings, but without some type of proof that you can show authorities, he could possibly charge theft and make you look like the bad person in this situation. Try to get someone who works with animals and cares about them. I'm sure the police care about animals, but they don't help the way animal behaviorists/people at shelters/spca workers do. Thanks for trying to help the dog get out of an abusive situation. The world definitely needs more kind-hearted people like you to help all the helpless dogs being abused.
If you can get a cell phone... take pictures.
Talk to the local SPCA or humane society or whatever is in your area. I think you are right in not picking sides for the dog but you just placed yourself in the middle of a big mess. I would talk to as many people as you can about this and try to get help. Maybe even try speaking to another police officer. Technically I think you can get charged with something if you do not give the dog back. Good Luck!
I would get the SPCA or Humane Societys help. The police will not help you out much they have to go by law and procedure. The animal welfare groups care about teh dog's well being. I will tell you what I would tell your relatives he got loose before I would give him back.And then find him a good home. If your uncle already hurt him once he will do it again and next someone will not be there to save him. You will get further with an animal group over the police. Give them a call/
Legally, the dog is his and you must return it.
Of course, if the dog happened to run away and you didn't know where he went..well, it's a shame that you were so careless with the dog, hopefully he found a good home somewhere far away from your uncle.
humane society.. just call them and tell them your concerns
Call the humane society, not the police. If I was you, I would contact a rescue group and turn the dog over to them. Simple as that.

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