Yard DOG Stories 41 - 60
The dogs - their pictures and stories
Much has changed at the SPCA since this article was written, some for the better and some for the worse. Read more: The BC SPCA Now.
<< Stories 1 - 20 | << Stories 21 - 40 | Stories 41 - 60 below
Story #41: East 14th Avenue:
December 2002
1. What is the address of the dog you are reporting?
East Vancouver
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
I believe it is a German Shepherd about 10 months old.
3. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
Late spring of 2002.
4. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
It is in a backyard. It's hard to see exactly, but i believe it is tethered. Sometimes it is brought under the porch - a small space. It spends all day outside, no matter how cold.
5. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it?
Sometimes they keep it under the back porch, which is a small space, cold and dark.
6. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
She can see when she's in the backyard, not sure about under the porch.
7. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
We can't see far enough into the yard.
8. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
Not sure.
9. Is the shelter dry inside?
It's probably very damp under the porch, but not dry at all when the dog is in the backyard.
10. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
Not in the backyard.
11. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
I think so.
12. Is there clean water at all times?
We don't know.
13. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
We don't know.
14. Is there a smell of urine?
We don't know.
15. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
This is really a big part of the issue. It's a big energetic dog that is walked maybe once a day. In fact, I myself have only ever seen it walked three times in 5 months. It has a lot of pent-up energy and neighbours around the street have commented that it is being neglected - and not walked enough or long enough.
16. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
They just tell the dog to shut up, but are not giving it any training or guidance. There are 5 people in the house (at least) all giving her different directions, and the poor animal is becoming very confused and increasingly unsocialized.
17. Is the dog ever muzzled?
No, because it barks all the time.
18. Describe its personality
She started off crying a lot when they first got her. Now that she is about 10 months, she is very jumpy because there is no leader in the house to act as the alpha-dog. She's extremely unsocialized. Last month, she got out of the yard and came to visit us. I was scared to go close to her as she seems to have become very jumpy and unpredictable. I think she would be a nice animal with training - she looks healthy, but just is very bored. Nobody talks to her during the day, or takes her out for walks. I believe she has to wait until evening before anyone comes home to walk her. During the day she is very volatile, and barks continually.
19. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No, now I am scared of her. She bit someone who came to the house yesterday, and we heard the woman screaming. We're a little worried what will happen as she gets bigger and older with no training.
20. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No. I wouldn't be the right person for this as I'm scared of the dog. My neighbour across the street went over to their house on Friday, November 29 to offer to help them train their dog. I think they weren't interested.
21. Are there other people in the neighbourhood who are also upset?
There are 15 people we have talked to who are upset by the neglect. It is a real issue as we all hear her during the day and night, barking and frustrated, left alone for hours. We have all talked about it a lot over the past two months specifically.
22. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
Yes
23. Which branch?
I believe Clark Dr.
24. How many times?
I have called twice and I believe another neighbour may have as well.
25. When approximately?
August and September, 2002
26. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
September.
27. What did the SPCA do or say to you?
They were not very helpful. They told me they couldn't do anything and to call the pound. I called the pound and they said that at 8 months, Lily was too young to be trained and was fine to be left in the yard alone all day and night. I didn't agree, but that was that unfortunately.
28. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
One other might have.
Write any details that are important to you here:
Our concern over the dog has been escalating since mid-summer. The family originally had another dog first, a cocker spaniel, in about February, but they couldn't meet the dog's need for walks. A few weeks later, they got the shepherd, and have completely mistreated her ever since. They want a dog to act as an alarm for them. I think that is the root of the problem, that they treat it like a mechanical object rather than an animal that needs love, care, affection, and daily attention.
The family has been broken into twice, so they thought a dog would be a good idea. Sadly, we just don't think they are able to look upon Lily as a animal with feelings. Unfortunately, she is left outside all day. She barks from 7:30 am to 11 at night out of sheer boredom. It is becoming a real issue for all of us in this neighborhood. We all agree that she is being neglected. We're also concerned that she will never be trained, she will be left outside all winter (as seems to be the case now), and that she is not walked enough for a fast growing puppy. We have gone to talk to them a couple of times, with no luck. They just tell us they are not going to train her and to like it or lump it. Another neighbour went over on Sunday December 8th to see if he could help them. Everyone is concerned.
Just to recap, here are our concerns (and these represent the views of about 14 people):
- The space she is kept is a small garden and a small damp porch for sleeping. She is there rain or shine, winter or summer, day and night.
- The whole neighbourhiood is concerned and also disturbed by her barking and cries for attention.
- She is not walked enough at all. I myself have only seen them walk it twice in 8 months, although they say they walk her once a day at night.
- Isolation and severe lack of attention
- She got loose twice and is very scattery and not well habituated to other people
- She bit one of their visitors on sunday, December 8.
- They treat her like a guard dog and she is now a dangerous animal.
- She has never been trained and they refuse to get her trained.
- She is barking constantly for attention
Story #42: German shepherd, East 1st Avenue:
January 2003
1. What is the address of the dog you are reporting?
----
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
German Shepherd, adult, large, black/tan
3. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
at least 6 months that I have observed it
4. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
It is chained with a HEAVY-DUTY chain to a car, outdoors. Most of the time, it is on the car roof. Recently, the chain is attached to a truck.
5. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it?
I am unsure, if it is able to get into the car/truck for shelter, likely not.
6. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
It can see from the car roof.
7. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
A chain, long enough to climb onto the car and down, very heavy chain.
8. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
Yes, very high danger.
9. Is there shelter?
Only a car/truck, but I don't think the dog has access.
10. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
see #9
11. Is the shelter dry inside?
don't know
12. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
If the dog can get into the car, yes.
13. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
It doesn't appear to be very thin.
14. Is there clean water at all times?
don't know
15. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
Yes.
16. Is there a smell of urine?
don't know
17. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
don't know
18. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
No, I have never seen it getting any attention.
19. Is the dog ever muzzled?
I haven't seen a muzzle.
20. Describe its personality.
It is barking very aggressively, if people are passing by the fence on foot or bike, although the dog is in several meters distance from the fence.
21. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No.
22. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No.
23. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No.
24. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help find a foster home if you were given the dog?
No, I am not allowed to keep pets in my current apartment.
25. Are there other people in the neighbourhood who are also upset?
I don't know, it is an industrial area, and I haven't met other people there.
26. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
Yes.
27. Which branch?
Vancouver 1205 East 7th Avenue 28.
How many times?
1. Inquiry in person. I asked, whether SPCA could do anything for the dog. (see below)
2. Filed complaint (by phone)
29. When approximately?
1. Jan. 26, 2003, 11:30 am
2. Feb. 02, 2002, 3:15 pm
30. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
Feb. 02, 2002, 3:15 pm
31. What did the SPCA do or say to you?
- SPCA (asked repeatedly): "Are shelter, water, food are available to the dog?"
- Me: "The only 'shelter' would be the car, but I am not sure, if the dog had access to the car or not."
- SPCA: "If there is no access, you could file a complaint."
- Me: "Would a car actually count as shelter?"
- SPCA's response (something like): (unclear mumble) "Hmm, well, yes."
- We left it at me checking the dog's access to the car and coming back in case there was no access.
32. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
don't know
33. Will you take photos of the dog showing the tether, shelter, feces, overturned water dishes, etc and send them to us? AAS can no longer go to each dog and attempt to take photos. We often cannot see the dog or are observed. The person in the neighbourhood has many more opportunities to take photos than we have. Photos are VERY important. Any photo, even of the porch, or the pen, etc, is better than no photo.
Yes, I have sent them to AAS.
33. If the dog is in Vancouver, have you reported it to the Vancouver City Pound (251- 1325)?
Feb. 02, 2002, 3:00 pm
What did the VCP do or say to you?
"Someone will go by and check it out."
34. What is your name and address?
Write any details that are important to you here:
I have seen this chained dog on several occasions a couple of months ago and repeatedly during the previous 2 weeks, still in the same miserable situation. It is a larger adult German shepherd (appears to be older), who is chained to a car apparently as a guard dog for a car mechanical shop. The car is located on the lot of the car shop amongst many other cars and wrecks. He stays on the car roof most of the time, barking aggressively at people passing by. He usually gets very excited and jumps up onto and down from the car. The chain is a very heavy-duty chain.
Initially (a few months ago), the dog was chained to a car near the gate. Recently, the chain has been attached to a truck further in the back.
Dog observed on February 6th. Dog is a "guard dog" for a used car and supply lot. His sleeping area is wherever he can find a spot. On rainy days, it's under whatever vehicle is close enough. He's in a well populated area and "talks" to people as they pass. His barks are loud and powerful, but those, and his body language suggest a dog that is simply lonely.
He has the potential to become a danger to the community if he escapes or is let loose.
Story #43: Two dogs at East 22nd Avenue:
January 2003
Prior to last summer two dogs, a pit bull and a German shepherd, were kept in a small pen in the backyard until the pit bull killed the German shepherd.
The neighbours, who had reported these two dogs to the SPCA and VCP in the past, reported this incident to VCP and VCP seized the pit bull, kept it a few days, and then returned it to the owner.
The owner then got a Rottweiler pup and chained it to the outside of the cage. These circumstances have been reported to both the SPCA and VCP numerous times by neighbours.
Because there is no lane we were unable to see into the back yard, but on the occasion that we investigated this complaint, the pit bull was tethered where it could be seen at the side of the yard from the front sidewalk. It is believed that the owner is keeping the Rottweiler in a shed of some kind at night and sometimes during the day.
Story #44: Chained German shepherd, East 41st Avenue:
June, 2003
1. What is the address of the dog(s) you are reporting?
East 41 Ave. Vancouver
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
Husky mix. About 4 years old, medium size, black and white husky colouring
3. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
3 years+
4. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
Tethered to the side of a garage/shed
5. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it?
6. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
Yes
7. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
Chain about 8-10 feet
8. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
No
9. Is there shelter?
None at all of any description
10. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
11. Is the shelter dry inside?
12. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
13. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
Looks thin, but it's hard to tell how thin because of the thick hair
14. Is there clean water at all times?
No
15. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
Yes
16. Is there a smell of urine?
Yes, more so in the warmer months.
17. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
None of the neighbors have ever seen it walked, groomed, played with or given any attention whatsoever
18. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
They come out and yell at it to shut up when the dog barks at people.
19. Is the dog ever muzzled?
No
20. Describe its personality.
Barks at people, but displays very submissive behaviour. Tail tucked way under, etc
21. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
I drive by once a week
22. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No
23. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No
24. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help find a foster home if you were given the dog?
Yes
25. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
Yes
26. Which branch?
Vancouver
27. How many times?
Twice
28. When approximately?
Approx. 1 year ago and the last time was 2 months ago.
29. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
2 months ago
30. What did the SPCA do or say to you?
That they would send someone by
31. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
Don't know, but they are upset as well.
32. If the dog is in Vancouver, have you reported it to the Vancouver City Pound (251-1325)?
No
33. Do you know if other dogs have been neglected at this address? If Yes, insert details here.
34. Will you take photos of the dog showing the tether, shelter, feces, overturned water dishes, etc and send them to us?
Photos attached
35. What is your name and address?
Colleen Donnelly Vancouver
Write any details that are important to you here:
I took the first few photos this afternoon and then I went back a few minutes ago and took more of her in the night time, still out there. She had a food and water bowl outside but no shelter, no dog house. The back yard where she is, is barren of trees. HORDES of people have seen her. This poor dog has been confined to the backyard for 2 years at least, says one neighbour. She lives at the end of a 8 foot chain that is very heavy as the pictures show.
She has no shelter from the sun or a sense of privacy from the busy world that passes her by. When she isn’t out in the elements she wastes away in a windowless cold damp garage.
I personally waited 3 hours on one occasion for someone to let her in out of the rain. Her owner finally remembered her and came out of his warm and dry home and promptly escorted her into the garage.
Story #45: German shepherd at ----:
Dec 13/02
I am sending pictures of a beautiful German Shepherd dog in my neighbourhood that deserves a better life. He is young (probably 10 - 12 months old) and still friendly. But it won't be long until he is ruined. He is tied up 24/7 on a short cable with no adequate shelter. The poor guy is starving for attention. There is easy access to him from the lane.
I hope you can help this dog in some way.
(No signature)
December 18, 2002
Craig Daniell,
General Manager, Investigations
BC SPCA
Dear Mr Daniell,
Animal Advocates Society has been pleased to see the amount of investigation and seizure you have accomplished since taking the job of General Manager, Investigations, at the BC SPCA. Your work has made us (cautiously) optimistic that the BC SPCA will start apply the PCA act and its own guidelines to help chained and isolated yard dogs in BC. To the best of our ability to know, to date it has done little.
I hope you have had the opportunity to read AAS's "The Yard Dog Report" in which we describe the conditions of severe social (and sometimes physical) neglect of many dog in Vancouver. We presented it to the City of Vancouver June 2001.
The City chose to expect the BC SPCA to do something for these dogs rather than adopt a bylaw that would permit it to help these dogs.
AAS intends to go back to the new City Council early in 2003. We will point out that this dog's conditions are not only inhumane and contravene the BC SPCA's Dog Care Guidelines, but that this dog may very well become desocialized to the point of being a risk to public safety. This dog is only one of many that will be in our updated report to the City. One has already bitten.
We ask that you seize this dog if the owner will not surrender it and that you permit AAS to help with its rehabilitation and rehoming. The SPCA says that it is working with other animal rescue and welfare groups and we ask that we be included. We do not want to be responsible for setting wheels in motion that could result in this dog being euthanized for failing the assessment test (see following correspondence re "Dicky") or to be sold to another neglector. We will provide the address of this dog if you can first assure us that you will investigate to confirm the allegations made by the complainant are true, and that we will be allowed to assist with this dog's recovery and rehoming.
We hope that you will accept our offer and we look forward to a future where we work with an SPCA that is doing its best to honestly realize its mandate to prevent cruelty. Sincerely,
Judy Stone
President, Animal Advocates Society of BC
cc: The President and Board of Directors, BC SPCA
Dec 24, 2002, No answer to date
Story #46: Rottweiler, Killarney St:
February 2003
1. What is the address of the dog(s) you are reporting?
---- Killarney St Vancouver
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
Rottweiler X about 3 years old, female.
3. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
2+ years
4. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
Chained to a tree in the backyard
5. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it?
6. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
View of alley
7. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
Chain, about 10 feet
8. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
No
9. Is there shelter?
A kitchen cupboard!!!
10. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
No
11. Is the shelter dry inside?
No
12. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
No
13. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
Don't know, not thin
14. Is there clean water at all times?
No
15. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
Yes
16. Is there a smell of urine?
Yes
17. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
Extremely rare for the dog to be off its chain
18. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
Yes
19. Is the dog ever muzzled?
No
20. Describe its personality.
Fear Aggressive
21. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No
22. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No
23. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No
24. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help fin d a foster home if you were given the dog?
Yes
25. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
Yes
26. Which branch?
Vancouver
27. How many times?
Once
28. When approximately?
Last month
29. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
30. What did the SPCA do or say to you?
Said they’d go look
31. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
32. If the dog is in Vancouver, have you reported it to the Vancouver City Pound (251-1325)?
33. Do you know if other dogs have been neglected at this address? If Yes, insert details here. Will you take photos of the dog showing the tether, shelter, feces, overturned water dishes, etc and send them to us.
Yes, they are enclosed
Write any details that are important to you here:
This dog lies in the heat of the sun and in the cold of winter at the end of a 10' chain tied to a tree in the middle of a backyard. (where else?) She has been seen huddling in what is supposed to be her doghouse/feeding station. What it actually is, is a 2 tiered kitchen cupboard. Go to your kitchens and check your cupboards. Between 11-14" in depth right? Okay, now imagine a dog the size of a small Rottweiler trying to squeeze in there for comfort and warmth. Her neighbors report no integration into the family whatsoever. She is never walked, groomed or loved up. The gate to her yard is constantly left open, so this poor creature has a perfect view of life and everything in it passing her by. Some of the dangers of the open gate are other animals and children. This dog has already attacked a grown man, when it slipped its chain one day. Tethered dogs often become overly fearful of intruders and are protective of "their" space. Unwanted pregnancies can occur if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Gates and fences will NOT stop a male OR female intent on impregnating or being impregnated. This dog will be exposed to fly bites which can result in open wounds which will eventually lead to an infestation of maggots. If this dog was purchased for the sole purpose of being a "guard dog", it's doing an excellent job!! No one has stolen the tree she is chained to yet!!
Story #47: Pomeranian at ----:
2002
1. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
Pomeranian Male, Light Tan colour
2. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
At least 4 years
3. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
Tied to a 4 ft. long chain along the side of a house on the concrete ground
4. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it?
n/a
5. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
Blocked by a high, solid fence in front and the house behind him
6. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
4ft long rusted metal chain
7. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
No
8. Is there shelter?
A VERY small plastic igloo that is VERY dirty inside.
9. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
No way
10. Is the shelter dry inside?
No, there's soggy old blankets that hang out of it.
11. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
Yes, it's under a set of stairs
12. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
No, I've seen food there just a handful of times
13. Is there clean water at all times?
Rain water in rusted old cooking pots
14. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
Yes, a lot of it
15. Is there a smell of urine?
Yes
16. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
Never walked
17. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
No, he's just completely ignored. He's horribly matted and cries so pitifully.
18. Is the dog ever muzzled?
No
19. Describe its personality.
He is very sad, he literally sounds like he is crying at least a couple of times a day. He used to bark at me a lot and get upset when he saw me, but I always bring him food and treats, so he's happier when he sees me now.
20. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
Yes
21. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No, but I have asked them why they have him outside.
22. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
No, I'm unable to do that.
23. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help find a foster home if you were given the dog?
No, I work full time. But, I have tried to ask people I know if they would want to adopt him
24. Are there other people in the neighbourhood who are also upset?
I know of 2 neighbours that I have talked to about him that are also disgusted.
Well, it happened and I'm mad as hell.
The SPCA took the Pomeranian away and I called there every week for the past 3 and a half weeks asking how he was doing. Every time I called the lady on the phone would just say, "He's still in the hospital."
After the 2nd week I questioned her on it. (Knowing all too well how they are and having suspicions that they would just kill him instead of spending the time and money to fix him up)
She said, "I don't have any other information here other than he's still in the hospital, O.K."
So, today I called again and the same lady answered again and said, "Hold the line for a second"
I knew it right then and there. She put a guy on the phone who told me that he was put to sleep.
I'm so upset. I don't like the SPCA and haven't for a very long time. That's why I didn't contact them sooner about this dog, I was afraid that this would happen. Then when I saw your story on the news about an older dog that was chained up that you guys found a home for. I was so glad thinking there was another alternative. But there wasn't. Now it's my fault that he's dead.
How can they play God like that and just kill these animals without even giving them a chance? It makes me sick. More people need to be informed of what really goes on at the SPCA. I've both seen and been told so many other horror stories by my Mom who used to rescue dogs as well as friends and complete strangers.
AAS: This little Pom's only hope was to be "removed" by the complainant, as thousands of other women have done.
Why would the SPCA seize this little Pom and ignore the hundreds of larger dogs, mostly mixed breeds, that are suffering the same way, or much more greatly, in Vancouver? Of course we can't answer for the SPCA, but we can tell you that purebred small dogs, like Poms, are easily rehomed (or sold to tell the truth). But if they have health problems - well then they are not so easy to sell without spending money on them.
Did the SPCA call Pom rescue? Pom rescue would have taken this poor mite and paid the bills to make it healthy and rehomable. The BC SPCA says that it is now working with purebred rescue groups - but AAS has much evidence to the contrary.
Story #48: Rottweiler or Dobermann cross, Prince Albert Street:
January 2003
This "guard dog" has spent his entire 2 years of life locked in this "box". When he was a puppy I would see the owner take him for a walk around the block. At about 4 months of age, as he started to get stronger and was not properly trained he was no longer taken for walks. They gave up on a puppy. He lives in a 15' x 15' enclosure with a cement pad. No food or water bowls are ever present.
He was put in this enclosure and stays in this enclosure. He has shows all the classic signs of barrier-related Aggression. Dogs get most of the important information about other canines and people through close up interaction. Therefore most dogs feel compelled to interact. And in a kenneled or tethered situation these dogs are constantly "rebuffed", which results in this behaviour. Some signs of Barrier aggression are barking, lunging, and displaying signs of aggression.
This dog is also a "spinner". Out of complete and utter boredom he "spins" in tight circles. The first time he was seen, there were blood spots on the cement floor. On closer examination, the blood was coming from his feet. He was spinning until his feet were raw and bleeding. Is there anyone that would disagree that this is psychologically damaging to this dog? Because of 2 years of this type of living, he has the potential to be harmful to himself and his community if he ever managed to break out.
August 2002
March 2003
March 2003
Story #49: Pit bull, Prince Edward Street:
December 2002
In August of 2002, AAS began receiving reports of a pit bull kept in a small cage at 4308 Prince Edward St. In various reports we have been told that the dog was exposed to the summer's heat without water; is yelled at; has never been seen to be walked; is in its cage 24 hours a day.
Here is the history she has given us:
August 2001, She saw a 4-5 month old pit bull chained to the side of the garage, in the blazing heat, on the asphalt driveway, swaying, it's eyes glazed, no water, no shade from the hot sun. No one seemed to be home, so she quickly got a container from the garbage and some water from a hose and gave the pup a drink and wet a towel she had in her car and put it on the pup's back.
Then she went to the SPCA and filled in the complaint form. She told us that two SPCA constables, (names removed) checked on their computer and said, "Oh yeah, there have been neglect reports about two different dogs at that address. (Our complainant says that in fact this address has had three dogs in five years, all of them neglected.) The SPCA may have sent someone, because shortly after, the complainant saw that the dog was now in a tiny plastic dog carrier, again without water.
She complained to the SPCA again, and went and got a doghouse from a friend and took it and gave it to the owner (a young male) who then chained the pup to the doghouse until he built the cage that is shown in our photos.
In the last few days, the complainant tells us that the pit bull is being kept in the garage during the night.
She reports that she continues to report this dog to the Vancouver SPCA and to the Mayor’s office.
She reports that the dog is beginning to act angry. It rips up anything put in its cage out of boredom and angry frustration. As you can see in the photos, this dog’s ears have been cropped for fighting.
Story #50: Two dogs, Victoria Drive:
January 2003
1. What is the address of the dog(s) you are reporting?
Victoria Dr.
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
Two dogs. One a young pitbull cross? about 2 -3 years old and the other is an old lab cross about ten years old.
3. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
The old lab for many years, the younger pitbull about two years.
4. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
Since December 5th they are mostly confined to the back porch. They used to be kept in the concrete yard but they got out too often.
5. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it?
see photos
6. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
Yes, they can see.
7. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
n/a
8. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
n/a
9. Is there shelter?
yes
10. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
yes
11. Is the shelter dry inside?
yes
12. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
not much
13. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
dogs are fed
14. Is there clean water at all times?
Don't know
15. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
Yes. It is only cleaned every few days, sometimes not for eight days. See photos
16. Is there a smell of urine?
Don't know
17. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
Not that I know of.
18. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
n/a
19. Is the dog ever muzzled?
no
20. Describe its personality.
The old lab is nice but the young pitbull cross is very aggressive.
21. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
no
22. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
no
23. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
no
24. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help find a foster home if you were given the dog?
no
25. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
yes
26. Which branch?
Vancouver
27. How many times?
see below
28. When approximately?
29. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
30. What did the SPCA do o r say to you?
31. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
32. If the dog is in Vancouver, have you reported it to the Vancouver City Pound (251-1325)?
see below
33. Do you know if other dogs have been neglected at this address? If Yes, insert details here.
34. Will you take photos of the dog showing the tether, shelter, feces, overturned water dishes, etc and send them to us? AAS can no longer go to each dog and attempt to take photos. We often cannot see the dog or are observed. The person in the neighbourhood has many more opportunities to take photos than we have. Photos are VERY important. Any photo, even of the porch, or the pen, etc, is better than no photo.
35. What is your name and address? (Please tell us if we have your permission to give your name to the Mayor and Council and to the BC SPCA with the agreement that your name is private.)
Write any details that are important to you here:
The next door neighbor's dogs were confined to a small yard of paved concrete with no opportunity for exercise except on the rare occasion when they could overcome the fence and run around the neighborhood park for 2 or 3 hours. Since last Dec. 5, they have been further confined to a small sundeck (10'X20') where they can wallow in their own feces. As you can imagine, they appear to be going totally mad with frustration.
An officer of Vancouver Animal Control has been in touch with them re noise complaints (excessive barking), and a Health Dept. Inspector has contacted them re the cleanup of the excrement. Now I would hope that an agency such as yours would do whatever you can to correct the obvious root cause of this mess.
In a phone conversation on January 27th complainant further told AAS:
- That the dogs have got loose several times and run free for hours.
- That the pit bull cross has attacked dogs while out and frightened people.
- That the pit bull cross demonstrates fence rage.
- A man walking his dog had to beat the pit bull off with his stick.
Story #51: Garage Dalmatian at ----:
January 2003
Beside my mother-in law's house is a Dalmatian that is kept outside in a yard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When it rains or it is night-time, the dog is left in the garage with the family car. The dog sits at the outside porch crying at its owners. This has been the only social contact this dog has received; watching its owners from sliding glass windows and the two seconds it takes for the owners to put the dog from the yard to the garage. My mother-in law has put up with incessant crying from this very lonely and frustrated dog for seven years. She has called the Vancouver City Pound and the Vancouver SPCA to no avail. The only thing the pound did was licence this dog. Great. So, if the dog is lucky enough to get out of its prison it can be returned to its owners.
This is a lonely and frustrated dog who has no idea as to how to act around human beings because it never had a chance to be around human beings. What could happen if this dog does get out? It very well could bite because of the total lack of socialization this dog has received. And if it does bite, we kill it.
Because I mentioned this poor dog's barking to the Vancouver City Pound, it 'investigated" and made this response:
"In response to your concerns regarding the dog residing at ----. Our office has done a complete and thorough investigation with respect to the dog in question.... The dog owners' parents arrive a couple of years ago from Asia and the mother has some minor allergies which are attributed to the dog. When our officer attended the dog owners address, he was greeted by the parents and daughter. The Mother gave him a pair of slippers to put on as he entered the premises. According to our officer, this was not a ploy on their part, as he noticed an elaborate Temple/ Praying area with ornate items around (something a dog in a house would disturb or break)... The dog does sleep in the garage, however, our officer noted that the garage was in fact a "Dog Cottage". The dog sleeps on a converted sofa which is above the ground. The garage is lighted and heated. The dog can come and go from the garage to the sliding door" (that it peers through to see its "family" inside the house), "totally under cover. Our officer did a physical check on the dog. He squeezed the feet, checked the teeth and gums for swelling/ bleeding and ran his hand all over the dog looking for lumps and or sores. No concerns were found. In fact the dog was receptive and in a playful manner the entire time. In our opinion, this dog very well looked after and loved. It is clear to us that the dog owners love their dog very much, and the dog loves them too. Our officer can find no basis for a BC SPCA concern or investigation. We certainly hope our investigation's findings puts you and your family at ease."
I am still not happy as dogs, who are extremely social animals, should be inside with their owners. If people are worried about a dog knocking things over, they should not have a dog.
I fail to see how someone could love a dog that they keep outside all the time. A garage with a couch in it is not a substitute for companionship. I know that I love my dogs and would never dream of treating my dogs the way that these people do theirs. I am very relieved this dog did not show signs of aggression. So, now I just have to put up with the discomfort of listening to the dog crying at the sliding glass doors all day long.
I know in fact, the neighbours are still very concerned but have not called because nothing has been done in the past.
I have volunteered at the pound and various other shelters where I worked with dogs. Dogs are social animals and the importance of socializing them to people and various situations should not be underestimated. Anyone reading about dog behaviour in books by Dr. Ian Dunbar or Jean Donaldson know that keeping a social being isolated from society as many dogs are kept is a recipe for disaster. Why is this not against the law? Why are there no bylaws in place to make it illegal to chain, pen or tie dogs up? Instead we wait for disaster and then blame and kill the dogs. It is disgusting.
AAS comment: Being isolated and kept in a lonely garage is okay as long as the garage is a "Dog Cottage"? A dog doesn't care if it is kept in Anne Hathaway's cottage, as long as it is not alone. "Cute" has no meaning to a dog. Warmth has very little more meaning. Food, water, and shelter are a long way down the list of a dog's wants and needs. Dogs are bred specifically to be companion animals and that is the whole purpose of their being and if you cannot be a dog's companion in return for its unswerving love and trust, then you should not have a dog.
As for "love"? Shutting your ears and heart to a dog's years of barking and crying and making it live alone in a garage is not love - it's possession, same as the car that's kept in the garage.
Story #52: Two large pit bulls, Venables Street:
May 2003
1. What is the address of the dog(s) you are reporting?
---- Venables street
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
Two very large maybe over 100 lbs each look like huge pit bulls.
3. How long has the dog (or dogs) been there?
I don’t know, I just saw them last month and I went back last week to photograph them late in May/03
4. Is it tethered, loose, in a pen, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, on a porch or balcony, etc?
One of them is on a long rope or chain and I don’t know about the other one, it may be loose in the back yard.
5. If in a pen or enclosure, how big is it? The back yard.
6. Can the dog(s) see out of its place of keeping or is its vision blocked?
There is a high solid fence, but the dog on the rope can jump right up to the top and he hangs over and barks. You can hear his feet scrabbling on the fence and there’s nothing to stop him from going right over the top except maybe he’s done that and that’s why he has a rope. I think he would hang himself if he got over. He acts and looks like he would kill if he got loose.
7. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
I can’t tell
8. Is there a choke chain around the dog’s neck to which the tether is attached?
Yes, I think so.
9. Is the tether wrapped around the dog’s neck?
No
10. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself)?
Yes, definitely
11. Is there shelter?
I can’t see.
12. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
13. Is the shelter dry inside?
14. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
15. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
I don’t know any of this as I’ve only seen the dogs twice
16. Is there clean water at all times?
17. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
Yes, lots of it.
18. Is there a smell of urine?
19. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
20. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
21. Is the dog ever muzzled?
22. Describe its personality.
Very scary and aggressive, especially to dogs.
23. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (We are not asking you to do this at this time.)
24. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (We are not asking you to do this at this time.)
25. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (We are not asking you to do this at this time.)
26. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help find a foster home if you were given the dog?
27. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
My friend has at least twice. They told her to phone the pound.
28. Which branch?
Vancouver
29. How many times?
30. When approximately?
Last year
31. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
32. What did the SPCA do or say to you?
33. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
My friend says yes that quite a few people have reported this dog
34. If the dog is in Vancouver, have you reported it to the Vancouver City Pound (251-1325)?
Yes, last year, they said they’d go look but I my friend doesn’t know if they did.
35. Do you know if other dogs have been neglected at this address? If yes, insert details here.
36. Will you take photos of the dog showing the tether, shelter, feces, overturned water dishes, etc and send them to us? Photos are VERY important. Any photo, even of the porch, or the pen, etc, is better than no photo.
37. What is your name and address? Please tell us if we have your permission to give your name to your Mayor and Council and to the BC SPCA (with the agreement that your name is private).
My friend and I are afraid of these dog’s owner and we do not wish to give our names.
Write any details that are important to you here:
My friend has a dog which she won’t walk past this place anymore because the dog that tries to climb the fence is so dog aggressive. I walked her dog one day and that’s how I found out. This dog is terrifying and if it ever got out especially if they both got out, someone is going to get killed or at least a dog is going to get killed. I couldn’t get any pictures of the other dog.
Story #53: Many dogs on Eton Street:
June 22, 2003
Possibly as many as six different dogs have been reported to Animal Advocates Society as being owned by the person resident at this address in the last five years.
We included one, a Dobermann pinscher, in one of our previous reports to you (photos below).
The dogs are kept loose in the yard, or in a small pen, sometimes muzzled, and in the garage.
The dogs "disappear" and many neighbours (we have been told as many as eight) are concerned to know what is being done with these dogs.
The Dobermann pinscher disappeared last year. This spring a Dobermann pinscher cross pup was kept in the backyard pen and then it disappeared too.
Currently the person has a long haired German shepherd which we have been told bit a woman who was in the yard and the Vancouver City Pound ordered that the shepherd be muzzle d, thereby compounding its misery.
We have been told that the Vancouver City Pound and the SPCA both, have been well aware of this situation for many years.
Reports are that the shepherd is now being kept the majority of the time in the garage.
The neighbours are too afraid of the owner of these dogs to allow their name to appear on this document, but there is a great deal of anger and ill-will generated in this neighbourhood by this man’s inhumane treatment of many dogs and the City’s and the SPCA’s refusal to do anything.
Story #54: Caged German shepherd, East 6th Avenue:
June 2003
AAS was told the following about this dog:
- That is has been kept in its cage since it was a puppy, approximately ten years;
- That it is sometimes groomed by a neighbour who says under its shaggy coat it is quite thin;
- That several neighbours feed it;
- That the owner has been seen showing his son how to beat the dog with a stick;
- That it is frequently yelled at when it barks;
- The owners will not walk it as it would spoil it as a guard dog;
- One neighbour says it is a docile dog when treated kindly, another describes it as aggressive, neurotic and unhealthy;
- That some neighbours wish they had not bothered ever reporting this dog to the SPCA and VCP for years but had removed and rehomed it while it was still young.
Story #55: Chained and penned Rottweilers, East 7th Avenue:
June 20, 2003
Animal Advocates Society has been told the following:
- That two or possibly three Rottweilers are kept chained to small wooden boxes which they are shut into at times, at the top of the driveway;
- That they are extremely aggressive and frightening;
- Neighbours are worried what will happen if a tether ever breaks;
- That none of the neighbours has ever seen them walked or socialized in any way;
- That phoning the SPCA and VCP has been pointless
Story #56: Tethered rottie cross, Wellington St:
June 24, 2003
1. What is the address of the dog(s) you are reporting?
---- Wellington Street, Vancouver
2. What is the breed(s), age, sex, size, colouring of the dog(s)?
large, black with some brown perhaps a mastiff cross
3. Is it tethered, loose, in a garage, in a shed, in a basement, etc?
Tethered to a garage
4. If tethered, how long is the tether and what is it made of?
Chain about 8 feet long
5. Is the dog in danger of choking on its tether (i.e. can the dog get up high and possibly fall or jump and strangle itself?)
No
6. If in a pen, what size is the pen?
7. Is there shelter?
insulated dog house
8. Is the shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in comfortably, and turn around without having to come outside?
Not sure if it could turn around in it.
9. Is the shelter dry inside?
Probably
10. Is it positioned to provide protection from wind and heat?
It does not get protection from the afternoon sun
11. Is the dog fed regularly? If not, is the dog thin?
the dog appears average weight
12. Is there clean water at all times?
can't tell as the area is fenced off and one can only look from the lane
13. Is there excrement that the dog must live near or in?
no
14. Is there a smell of urine?
can't get close enough to tell
15. Is the dog ever walked? How frequently?
I walk by twice a day and have never seen the dog off the chain
16. Have you witnessed it being beaten or yelled at?
no
17. Is the dog ever muzzled?
I haven't witnessed this
18. Describe its personality.
Seems very depressed but can be aggressive (protective)
19. Do you visit it? Talk to it? Feed it treats? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
have talked to it through the fence
20. Have you asked the owner if you can walk the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
I have asked the young boys in the yard if they walk it and told them it needs exercise
21. Have you asked the owner if you can buy the dog? (we are not asking you to do this at this time)
no
22. Would you be able to foster the dog, or help find a foster home if you were given the dog?
I couldn't keep it as I have one but would help find a home
23. Are there other people in the neighbourhood who are also upset?
I don't know anyone in the neighbourhood as I don't live in that area
24. Have you reported this dog to the SPCA?
yes
25. Which branch?
Vancouver
26. How many times?
twice
27. When approximately?
June 13 and 14, 2002
28. When was the most recent time you contacted the SPCA?
June 14
29. What did the SPCA do or say to you?
The woman on the report line said there was nothing she could do (she was rude).
30. Have any of the neighbours reported this dog to the SPCA?
don't know
31. Will you take photos of the dog showing the tether, shelter, feces, overturned water dishes, etc and send them to us?
yes
June 24, 2003
About two weeks ago during the hot weather I made another report to the SPCA because Rocky was wedged between his dog house and the garage trying to escape the heat. The constable for the SPCA reported back to me. He told me he had talked to the owner and said he mustn't have his dog on the chain for more than four hours at a time and should walk his dog at least twice a day. I said it was always on the chain and I had never seen it off of it. He said he also told the owner to move the dog away from the direct sun but that hasn't happened yet.
Story #57: Chained Retriever cross, Dieppe Drive:
June 2003
Animal advocates was told the following:
- The dog has been kept on a short chain for five years;
- The dog is frantic and acts aggressive more out of despair than savagery;
- The SPCA may have been phoned as many as 30 times;
- VCP has been called also;
- The collar is tight and the dog’s voice is hoarse;
- The owner tells the VCP and the SPCA that the dog is aggressive so it ahs to be kept chained;
- That one neighbour has frequently fed the dog and befriended it and does not believe it is aggressive, that this person thinks it is just to guard the junk in the yard;
- That at least one person would remove this dog if there was anywhere for it to go.
Story #58: Several dogs in a pen, East 3rd Avenue:
May 2003
Animal Advocates has been told the following:
- The pen is covered almost entirely in plywood and is very dark;
- It is about 10’ x 10’ at most;
- There were two dogs in this pen for around three years;
- That last year a pup was put in the pen;
- That the SPCA and VCP have been phoned many times in these years;
- That the pen is full of excrement and smells;
- That it is right beside a school playground and that children these the dog, making them act aggressive;
AAS also received this email:
A report of dogs that have been penned all their lives. They are brother and sister and their names are "Captain and Miss Hope". Yesterday I saw them out and for about an hour, they enjoyed sitting in the sun and running in the schoolyard next door. Then the pound came and hauled them away. The male was hit by a car and was apparently checked by the SPCA. His heart was racing. I think it was more due to their hardly ever being out and also being out of shape. The heat is hard on them too. Their pen is south facing and while shaded, it very hot for them. I have watched them for about three years, tried to walk them and talk to the owners who say they love them, but just don't feel they can take them out with people and other dogs around. They seem fine with people but other dogs can be a problem. I think they are just not used to them and appear aggressive but are playing. These owners also have puppy (lab cross) that is now put into the pen with the other two...usually for long periods of time. The neighbours have been taking the puppy out for walks and took him yesterday while the owners were away. I did not know what to do with the dogs yesterday so the school phoned the pound. It was heartwrenching to see the dogs once again jailed but we felt there was no other choice. Captain had already run into traffic with no sense of what he was doing.
Story #59: Rottweiler X Lab, tethered, East 48th Avenue:
June 2003
AAS has been told the following:
- This female dog has been tethered for approximately seven years;
- She is fed and watered but ignored;
- She could shorten her tether by tangling it and hang herself if she jumped off the porch;
- She barks and seems aggressive but is very friendly with the neighbour who has been secretly visiting her for years.
Story #60: Backyard breeder, Chilliwack:
July 2006
This female dog was kept in a shed and bred twice a year for six years producing approximately 24 pups a year. The pups were sold for around $300 each. But she was wearing out and so AAS was able to buy her and two of the pups for $300. The breeder kept the third pup (chained under the truck) to breed with this dog.
