I was so upset, I phoned the OSPCA!

[avoncallingu]

I was waiting for my db at a shop tonight when I saw a cute little shih tzu wandering unaccompanied. I just watched because he was not leaving the property across the street just walking around the edge. As I watched, a teenaged boy from across the street started approaching him. I thought," Oh, there's his owner - tracking him down."
Well the boy started KICKING this dog - a teeny shih tzu! I started screaming at the boy to stop but he just continued.
At this point, I'm running across the street and the boy's dad came out and started screaming too! I don't know whether he was screaming at me or the boy. The boy did stop and head back across the street. Then 2 women came out of their houses to see what was going on.
One was the woman in the house where the dog was roaming - No - it wasn't her dog. The other woman said, "Oh he belongs at the house 2 doors down on the next street - I've taken him home twice this week. But he WILL bite."
I approached the dog and he started growling but I talked to him quietly and said, "let's go home."
He followed me very quietly and even stopped at the cross street until I told him to cross. He kept a good 2 ft. behind me but was following me well.
When I got to the house a young girl came out and said, "Oh no!" and went out to get the dog that was NOT coming onto the property.
A man came out of the house and was very gracious and thanked me. He told the girl to pick up the dog. She hesitated and said, I'm afraid. "PICK HIM UP!" said the man. "No, he'll bite me!" replied the girl.
The man then yelled at the dog, "MAX GET OVER HERE!" (my own dog is called Max) - I'm still standing there watching. He marched over and picked up the dog but the dog gave a mighty growl and tried to bite him. The man then got to the door of the house and THREW the dog inside.
I was shaking.
I drove right home and have phoned the OSPCA but it's after hours and they haven't replied. I have the address of the home. It seems that at best, this dog is not being watched over and at worst - I hate to think what happened after I left.

[MrsSunshine]

I think you did the right thing and the best you could. just have to pray for little Max that everything is ok.

[hollyquaiscer]

IT makes me feel sick to read this. I don't get it when people treat animals this way. If you didn't want the dog, why would you get it? Why would you treat it that way, it's a living thing? No wonder the dog bites, I would have not only called the spca, but probably have called the police too. It's against the law to abuse animals. That guy deserves to go to jail.

[avoncallingu]

Well, holly - you've given me an idea. I hope that little fella is ok for tonight. I never got a call from the after hours SPCA. I'll call again in the morning.

[francine1985]

you did the right thing for the dog. however i'm wondering how old that girl was and i'm thinking maybe you should report this to child services as well. sounds like this man might be abusing everyone around him. i really hope i'm wrong though

[Snow Queen]

I am glad there are people like you who know to step in when you have a gut feeling that something is wrong. Call again in the morning, like others I would hate to think what could happen to the dog! Good on you for caring

[avoncallingu]

You know, Francine - the thought went through my mind as I thought about it later this evening. I just may follow up.

[avoncallingu]

Thanks, everyone.

[SharonMe]

So hard to read. I can only imagine how horrible to actually see people treat and innocent animal like that.
No wonder Max is so ready to strike out and bite. I hope he gets rescued from that home.

[Natalka]

So awful - good for you for stepping in.

[Andit]

((hugs)) That must have been just horrible.

In addition to calling to report what's going on with the little girl, you might also want to report the teen boy's behaviour. It's not normal to want to kick a small dog.

Sad sad situation.

[madchives]

sighing - can barely read this - and so skipped a bit
thanks avon

[avoncallingu]

I've talked with the OSPCA and also Child Services. They both assured me that they would look into it. I also had a conversation with a constable who informed me that just "assaulting" a dog is not a criminal offence but that the OSPCA would handle it. He also informed me that I could call 911 as it was happening and they would then respond and handle the referrals to the appropriate agencies. Thanks for all your support! I'm still upset but I'm satisfied that it will be looked into.

[Patty Smyth]

Poor dog, no wonder he was growling, doesn't sound like he has a very happy existence.

Hopefully they will look into it. WTG

[Darth Penguin]

Poor doggy. I'm not surprised he bites being treated like that.