Barking Dogs, Illegal Kennel
During open window season of each year, my life comes unglued because the barking dogs of a neighbor keep me awake. I’m writing this at 5 am and have been awake since 2. It happens a lot. The “neighbor” lives on the street behind us and keeps from one to five “pit bull” type dogs…
During open window season of each year, my life comes unglued because the barking dogs of a neighbor keep me awake. I’m writing this at 5 am and have been awake since 2. It happens a lot.
The “neighbor” lives on the street behind us and keeps from one to five “pit bull” type dogs in a very small chain-link enclosure at the back of their property. The dogs are out there 24/7, 365 days a year. He feeds them pretty regularly, therefore the ASPCA isn’t much interested in the case. Calling 311 and waiting for DEP inspectors is a major waste of time. The dogs never bark when the inspectors are here. The dogs owner/keeper seems really mean, and screams at the dogs every day. I have no idea why he keeps them, the food must cost a lot, and there certainly doesn’t seem to be any love there. I cannot open my windows. I can’t spend time or entertain in my lovely garden. I use the bedroom AC at night even when it isn’t hot, just to drown out the barking, but it’s not always effective. They’re loud! I don’t want to confront the guy, he seems like a jerk who might cause worse problems if provoked. Dozens of people around here must be affected by this problem, but almost never does anyone holler or make a fuss. I hope I don’t lose my tenant upstairs over this, but she’s getting fed up. The community liason officer at the local precinct says he’ll look into it when I see him in person, but never does, and my phone calls go unanswered.
What recourse do I have? I need ideas, or an understanding of the legal aspects. Please don’t suggest that I bring harm to the dogs; it’s really not their fault.
Thanks.
You must live on my block! There’s a nasty guy on the block behind me who breeds pits in his back yard. Currently he’s selling a litter born earlier this spring. The dogs bark constantly and, as puppies, play-fight constantly. I’ve called the ASPCA (who couldn’t care less; unless I can povide “documented evidence” that the animals are outside 24/7 when it’s below 40 degrees, or other proof of physical cruelty, all they suggest is that I call the DEP or 311 to complain about the noise).
Which I have done a zillion times. What do they do? They send a letter to the dogs’ owner. He doesn’t respond, and it takes three non-response letters before an inspector gets out there, and suddently, mysteriously, “no evidence” is found and the claim is dismissed. Back to square one.
Soemone once got the cops over there – he was nasty and abusive to them, saying, “My f’ing dogs don’t hurt nobody, now leave me alone and get off of my property” – and they did! All the people on his block and the long-term residents on mine are afraid of him and won’t mess with him.
The phone company won’t touch any wires if they have to go through that back yard, which means I have two neighbors who go without a phone. Last year, his breeding bitch escaped into another neighbor’s backyard – she took her dog (a nice, sweet pit mix) inside and called animal control, but before they could get there the owner came by and demanded she let him in to get his dog. She was terrified but could do nothing else, so she did. He didn’t say thank you.
I read an article once about a gang of ex-cons or Hells Angels or something that kidnaps abused dogs when the ASPCA won’t get involved. Anybody know how to contact them?
the thing is tho if that he is raising fighting dogs then he definitely has guns. while it’s horrible and i hope somehow the dogs get rescued, be sure to tread lightly.
*rob*
Also, to add to my comment above, dog fighting is a federal crime. So if you start watching the guy more closely and witness things that look like he’s breeding fighting dogs and/or dogfighting himself, call the Feds. Go over the heads of the NYPD if they won’t help you.
yeah it does sounds like he could be breeding them for dogfighting, or using them in dogfights 🙁 why else would someone keep 5 pitbulls living in the conditions you are describing? whatever you do, dont go over there with a plastic bag over your head acting like a zombie 😉
*rob*
sure it is rob. I hear white pit bulls can’t dance.
He’s mean to them and keeps them outside? That might be a clue he provides dogs for dogfighting. If these dogs are being bred to sell as fighting dogs or he fights them himself elsewhere, that’s the way to shut the guy down. It’s a felony.
i dont think the dog’s ethnicity was relevant to mention in this post. constantly barking dogs are annoying tho, you have my sympathy.
*rob*
UnprotectedWrecks – you mean your neighbor was playful, loving, goofy, and somewhat insecure? Because that describes my pit bull’s personality.
ASPCA will only want to ensure that the dogs have shelter and water, I don’t think they’re the way to go.
I’d write a short note & leave a copy of it at the doors of all the neighbors on your block who back onto the yards. Be sure to make it look home-spun so it’s not tossed as random marketing. Ask them to sign their names requesting action from Community Board, EPA, police, etc. & tell them to drop it off at your house (or at a local store that will cooperate if you don’t want your name out front.) If enough people participate you should be able to get action from one of the agencies.