What is your definition of neglect? Animal Control has done nothing.

There is probably a definition of "neglect" that is either in your city/town law or in county law.  That would just change by state, but literally by county or township/whatever. 

VERY likely it's something like "animals must have water and shade available and food daily."  If it's more kind than many it may address whether the animals look like they are in distress - but most *do not*.

That means if the tree they are tied to gets shade between 7 - 10 a.m. it's probably going to "satisfy".  I'm just guessing -- but the fact that they've been out there repeatedly tells me the local definition of "neglect" is probably pretty broad,  You'd have to go to your library (and maybe the animal control people might actually tell you what the law/statute/code number is so you can look it up yourself.

In other words -- it's likely they can't easily confiscate them given whatever statute they have to work with. 

If you think you know of a good shelter that might place them, you could always try to intervene but I warn you -- don't say "they're neglected" -- that tends to make people get their back up.  But you could say something like "My cousin has been looking all over for a mature basset -- I'm cash strapped at the moment but what would you be willing to take for him?"

A friend of miine adopted a couple of german shorthair pointers about 10 years ago that way -- she offered the guy a case of Bud and he took it. 

You might see if Texas has a bassett rescue and contact *them*. 

But beware - those dogs may be bonded to each other --

I understand how you feel -- but other folks just plain don't play by the same rules we do.  it would annoy me as well for the same reasons -- but you'll have to have a place for them to go if you really want to do any kindness - because people just plain don't suddenly decide to keep the dog inside.  "inside" might mean a closed garage with no door and no fans.  That could be even worse.

My Tinkerbell came from Ft. Hood -- go to my photos and you'll see the really nasty pictures of how infected she was -- and she too had been left outside in 105 degree Texas heat but what the woman was doing *was* legal -- and it took a couple of weeks for pug rescue to convince her to turn them over.

Unfortunately, what you, I or the man in the moon thinks is neglect doesn't much matter.  Most areas require only food water and shelter.  To us, what these folks are doing is wrong, but, they might think that WE are nuts because our dogs are part of the family.

 Ok as a former ACO (in a different state) I can tell a few things. First they can't do anything about the dogs not getting their teeth brushed. While the basset is over due for a grooming what you are showing in the picture wouldn't qualify as neglect.I am not saying it is good care just that it doesn't qualify. If they have water , shelter, are not under weight, and have no noticeable untreated medical conditions, then there is nothing they can do. While he has some matts it is not to a point where animal control(in my area) could step in.

Now if the temp gets to 106 and they have no water and no shelter with shade  then yes that is neglect. but again going on the picture you posted i know in my area I couldnt have stepped in yet. I would keep an eye on it but ACO's can only enforce the laws that are there. I know it is not the standard of care most on here would give their animals but in some areas you only have to meet their basic needs. As far as the barking they should be doing something about that. You have a right to enjoy your yard with some expectation of peace and quiet.

There are literally thousands and thousands of dogs who live outdoors in the heat.  Dogs that are acclimated to the heat will be ok if they have water and some shade in the heat of the day.  Dogs tend to be pretty inactive during the day and that includes dogs that are indoors.  yes, they get hot but usually dogs won't overheat if they're just laying around. AC in my city wouldn't be able to intervene as the dogs do have shelter and food and water.  At least the dogs have each other for companionship.  I know of many dogs that spend their entire lives living in the backyard, under the same conditons you describe, but all alone with no dog or human interaction.  Those are the ones that really break my heart. 

It sounds like your main issue is the barking and I understand how maddening that can be.  We had neighbors with two shelties and those dogs drove us insane with their barking every time we were in our backyard.  Doesn't your town have a noise ordinance of some sort?  Most towns do and you should pursue that avenue.  Unfortunately, if the neighbors are forced to get rid of the dogs, due to the barking, it's probably a death sentence for them.  Sometimes there is no answer to this type of problem. :(

Yeah the barking is a huge issue bc it is affecting my life and I find that very unfair. I have gritted my teeth for 3 years ignoring it. My husband approached them a few times and said it was bothering us. They acknowledged it but their only solution was to buy a bark collar instead of figuring out why the dog barks. I think the dog barks bc he has nothing else to do. I can't even click the lock on my back door without the dog barking. There are rare times that I can sleep in but I can't bc the dogs barking is so loud that it is heard every room in my home. I think I know by now that AC isn't going to do anything. They said they have received numerous noise complaints from this house yet nothing has been done. I know you can't tell but the dogs mats are almost dragging the ground. From what I know, matting can be painful and cause skin problems. I guess I don't understand why that isn't a cause for concern... I am thanking God we had no rain this spring bc their dogs were infested with ticks last summer which of course came into our yard and in our home. Nothing like going to a resteraunt and having a tick crawling your sleeve. I want to move (not just bc of the dog of course) but I would imagine prospective homebuyers would walk into my backyard, hear the dog, and do a 180!

kennys_mom

Yeah the barking is a huge issue bc it is affecting my life and I find that very unfair.

 

It is unfair and frustrating to feel helpless.  I'll never understand how some people can be so oblivious to their dog's non stop barking.  You'd think it would bother them too.  I truly do feel your pain and wish I had a solution to offer.  Bad neighbors are truly one of life's worst experiences.  

Some people simply have no compassion ... and they figure as long as "the law" doesn't come down on them so what.  As Jackie says, i will never understand it either.   

 I have to disagree with this. I believe all animal shelters and animal control people are different. Most will have the utmost respect for animals and love their job helping them while some others will treat them awfully.

JackieG

  Dogs that are acclimated to the heat will be ok if they have water and some shade in the heat of the day. 

 

This is true for most breeds, but any of the brachycephalic dogs cannot handle extreme heat or cold. Boxers, Pugs, Frenchies, etc....Doesnt matter if they are in the shade...106 degrees is considered extreme IMO. Any of these dogs above should never be considered "yard" dogs. (Not that I think ANY dogs should be left in a yard)

Not trying to downplay what you said, but I do not agree with that one sentence.

 As someone with a terrier breed (miniature schnauzer), my own dog's barking can be annoying--if let go. Fortunately, he's an indoor dog and really only barks if someone comes to the door or I'm playing with him.

 Sorry to hear your neighbor's dogs aren't being treated the way they deserve. It is always hard to witness such things, even if they're not as extreme as they could be. Any ideas why they are strictly outdoor dogs? I personally don't get that since I want a dog to be inside with me.

And yes, dogs can overheat and get heatstroke...