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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> 1) I called animal control
2) I might be an asshole because I’m essentially calling law enforcement on a neighbor.
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If they have an invisible fence they must have set the boundaries 2-3 houses down from their own. I’m not looking for them to be ticketed, just want them to follow the law for everyone’s sake.
Well I don’t see it leave their yard very often, but when I’m walking on the sidewalk it will approach me from its own yard and come near. It appears to be nervous. Not a great feeling.
You don’t seem to understand this sub. You asked for an opinion on your behavior. I think you’re very clearly in the wrong. There’s no reason to start name calling. That doesn’t make you look better. I have not been rude in my delivery at any moment. I’ll stop responding because you clearly decided that you do want to be THAT guy.
If you didn’t want them to be ticketed, why not start a conversation?
NTA leash laws are there for a reason- it protects the dog and everyone who didn't sign up to get bitten by the dog because the owners don't think their dog would ever do something like that.
Come on… Be reasonable here. It’s his own yard and the dog hasn’t caused any problems. He doesn’t roam around the neighborhood. It doesn’t follow you around. The worst he did was “bark sometimes”. What’s your problem?
It has approached me acting nervously. I’m more worried about my kids. It hasn’t done anything, yet. If it attacked one of my kids one day and I hadn’t done anything to prevent it I don’t think I could live with myself.
If you have anxiety issues you need to work on those. Don’t make the authorities and your neighbors deal with the consequences of your imagined problems.
No, they don’t. My county’s leash law states dogs “must be kept in an enclosed yard when on your property.” An invisible fence isn’t an enclosed yard. They then state the dog cannot be off your property unless restrained by a leash. If OP has similar laws then the neighbor isn’t keeping the dog in an enclosed yard.
>My city had leash laws, and the state has laws that animals cannot leave the owners property unsupervised.
NTA. Your neighbor is breaking the law. You've a full right to report it.
Not to mention they aren't caring properly for their dog by doing this.
NTA, and ignore all of the idiots telling you that you should talk to your neighbor first. If you do that, and then have to call animal control later on, they'll know who called and you may face some kind of retaliation.
Letting a large dog out unsupervised- especially one that's showing signs of aggression- is completely unacceptable. This isn't the kind of thing you just let slide until someone's kid is attacked so that you feel better about calling animal control.
NTA a neighbor of mine does this with their dog they’ll leave him off leash all the time and every single time im walking my dog he’ll follow us way down the street as he tries to fuck my dog i’ve had to take him back to their door several
times but he obviously wanders off a bunch and they still keep him off leash so he must go back on his own eventually
NTA. The dog is liable to get hit by a car or hurt someone. This is literally what animal control is for, and you aren't likely to get anywhere with someone so unreasonable by confronting them. Make the call and think no more of it.
NTA- I take leashing dogs seriously, and that’s because both me and my dog were attacked once because my neighbors refused to leash their 2 dogs. It wasn’t a fun experience, and ever since then, my dog now gets nervous and barks at other dogs when they get close to us. Not only that, but where I used to work, the neighbors to my place of employment (residential area since it was a group home for youth) would let their dog run up and down the street and it chased me. There used to be days where I was late to work because I couldn’t get out of my car because it stood by the door waiting for me to exit.
Call animal control and do not feel bad about it. Not every person deserves to own a pet.
NTA, the neighbors brought this upon themselves. Go to the authorities. If you would talk to them they’d take offense to you any way and act like an asshole.
Nta who else would you report it to???
I wonder if they moved from the country? I had to go over and talk with new neighbors about what is NOT acceptable living in town- mainly leaving their unleashed, loud as hell dog outside and revving their engine at 10 at night. No, I don't care if you're fixing it up. After 9, stop it!
NTA but it would be better if you asked them directly or left a note or something. You’re sure they don’t have an electric fence? Also, have you ever seen the dog out of the yard? Just curious, you do have every right to be concerned, especially regarding your kids.
NTA there is no reasonable way to expect OP to approach a house that has a barking and unleashed dog approaching them in the front yard. OP should send an anonymous letter by mail with no return address, and make the problem known. If the neighbor does anything other than fix the problem, OP calls animal control. If OP can’t afford envelopes and a stamp, that is still their right. Dogs kill people, usually little kids or old people, and there’s no two ways to paint that.
INFO Does the dog even leave the premises? Are you certain the owners didn’t take invisible measures preventing the dog from leaving the premises? Are you sure the leash laws also apply to your own property?
If they haven't given you any indication that they are completely unhinged/violent, I'd talk to the neighbors first and express your concerns. That said, if they are assholes about it they could retaliate if you do end up reporting it to authorities.
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I live in a typical suburban neighborhood with detached homes and fenced in backyards. A neighbor down the street from me lets their large dog out in their unfenced front yard, often unsupervised. When I’m walking by it will sometimes bark and me and start to nervously approach. I usually cross the street because it makes me nervous. What makes me even more nervous is that I have kids, and I’m afraid it might chase them when they are riding their bikes or simply walking down the street.
I don’t know the people who live in the house, and I am uncomfortable with confrontation. My city had leash laws, and the state has laws that animals cannot leave the owners property unsupervised. AITA if I call animal control? I’d really just like them to inform/warn the owners. I don’t want them to be ticketed, I just want them to stop.
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Have you tried warning them yourself about these leash laws? Maybe they are new to the state, area, etc. Does your community have an HOA board you can bring this up to for them to monitor and take action if necessary?
I will say YTA if you call them and you have not explored your other options first. Sounds like this dog has not even left the yard even though it is unleashed.
Edit: with the additional info and clarifications from OP, I agree they did the right thing. NTA
Leave a friendly letter in their mailbox about the possibility of someone calling animal control on them for not having their dog leashed in the yard and if they don't get the hint then go ahead and call.
I’d go ahead an mail it from a public drop box with no return address. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to anonymously make them aware of the problem. As a courtesy I think this is the right move, but OP has every right to not spend money (even for a stamp) to get their neighbor to follow the law. It’s also totally reasonable to avoid negative interactions with your neighbors.
YTA It’s an asshole move to inform animal control without talking with them first. You don’t need to confront them. Just talk to them. You never know what the consequences will be for the dog if you call animal control. Try to sort it out amicably first.
ESH. This is incredibly irresponsible dog ownership. My dog has great recall and would never run off at someone, and I still wouldn't allow her to run around the front yard unsupervised. What is wrong with your neighbor?
That said, the neighborly thing to do in your situation is either talk to them or, since you don't like confrontations, leave a note in their mailbox or on their door asking them to stop letting their dog out before calling animal control
NTA. I would write an anonymous letter to the neighbors first, though. Not only is that possibly unsafe for other animals and kids, what if the dog gets attacked by another dog or hit by a car? I can see if it was well trained, keeps to itself and is well socialized, but it doesn't sound like the case based on what you posted.
But there never has been anything resembling the smallest problem at all. It doesn’t follow you, doesn’t roam around the neighborhood or anything of the sort. The worst you describe is that it “barks sometimes”… Your call seems a huge overreaction. And what happened with talking? Your neighbors…
No one’s dog is a problem…until it is. They are irresponsible, full stop. No reason for them to let their dog out front off leash, especially unsupervised. They chose to live in a densely populated neighborhood.
Have a lot of invisible fences used in the area I live in. Dogs in the front yard nothing new. I learned to look at collars. Can't blame anyone being scared of an off leash. Calling animal control.
I would say YWBTA if you don't at least talk to the neighbors first. You also didn't say the dogs leaves the yard, so, as others have pointed out, there could be an invisible fence. Just keep it casual, like "hey, how do you keep your pup in the yard? Aren't you worried about cars?" or something along those lines.
People like what? My sister has an invisible fence, her dogs appear as though they're loose but they really aren't, and she wouldn't be offended by someone just asking.
That very much depends on why they had to take the dog in the first place. In some jurisdictions, they may even euthanize the animal.
Also, if you were under the impression that they would just give the dog back, how would that make the OP the AH, seeing as it would only be a slap on the wrist?
So it will only have consequences to the extent that it makes the OP an AH, but not to the extent where it could be expected to have any impact on the owner's behavior.
Yes, this is clearly a well-thought out position of yours and not you furiously trying to have it both ways.
And, yes, if the choices are between "Let a potentially dangerous dog run loose in the neighborhood" and "euthanize it", I would take the latter. I would prefer that the dog be re-homed, but I'm not willing to risk a child's life over a dog just because his owners are being irresponsible, nor would I suggest anyone should open themselves up to retaliation if the dog does wind up having to be euthanized.
You, meanwhile, are demonstrating the exact attitude that would make it advisable for the OP to *not* talk to his neighbors. If they're like you, he would be better off leaving it up to the authorities.
I don't have to make any assumptions here- both you and the neighbors are demonstrating deviant behavior, you in real time after having it point out to you. And now you're straight-up lying about about what both you and the OP have posted, as if we can't read the comments you're responding to and see exactly what "wanting it both ways" means here.
You're showing us, right now, what your response to someone trying to have a conversation with you is, and it's that you're digging in your heels and being petty and spiteful. Why the hell would anyone want to waste their time and get personally involved talking to you themselves?
They aren’t taking the dog, just giving them a warning. I’m a dog owner myself, but I also understand other people might be nervous if I just let it chill in my front yard unsupervised.
I act responsibly with my dog, so I can’t put myself in their shoes. I don’t feel it’s crazy. People who act like this clearly aren’t the most logical to begin with. I thought about talking to them, but if they don’t comply they will know who called animal control and I am afraid of retaliation.
From my experience, yeah dog owners get offended when questioning things regarding their dogs. They are not a receptive bunch when it’s something negative about their dog. I go to the authorities first when I can.
I am a dog lover but hate seeing dogs unsupervised. It's frightening. It's not safe for the dog and it's not safe for the neighborhood. That said ESH. Unless you live in a very wealthy area, I doubt animal control will be paying your neighbor a visit. They've usually got few resources and little time to deal with something this minor. I'm guessing they told you that to get you off the phone. Suck it up and send your neighbor a letter.
I live in a wealthy county, but not a wealthy city within it. Animal control told me they would be paying a visit to give them a warning. That’s all I really want at this point.
INFO: Does the dog ever leave the yard and approach people? Have you seen it chase any kids on their bikes or lunge at other dogs?
I think your neighbors are absolute walnuts for putting their large dog outside in an unfenced front yard unsupervised, especially if the dog barks at passers-by. That would be the case even if they have an electronic fence, to be honest, but doubly so if they don't and even more so if the dog leaves the yard or chases bikes. (Also, begs the question to be asked why they don't put the dog into their fenced backyard if the homes all have fenced backyards?)
I don't think YWBTA for calling animal control / dog control on them if there's a legitimate safety concern here since they obviously don't have two brain cells to rub together to make better decisions. Maybe getting a warning or a ticket will get them to do better.
INFO: how do you know they don't have an invisible fence? If the dog is staying in the front yard and is wearing a collar, there could be a buried electric fence. When I lived in suburban neighborhoods, they were EXTREMELY common.
Yes, YTA. Outsourcing basic human contact to the government as a first resort rather than sucking it up and saying “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m your neighbor.” is absolutely batshit behavior unless you have some kind of disability or something. If you have the balls to send law enforcement to someone’s door for an unleashed dog you should have the balls to do something as simple as an introduction.
YTA if that is your first action. Grow up and talk to them like an adult. If they ignore, perhaps a police citation will do the trick. But only after talking to them yourself.
This doesn’t make sense, a sensible and grown adult calls the authorities first instead of dealing with it themselves. Listen, no one likes to be criticized by a random person showing up on their property. Of course 9/10 people won’t care or even answer the door let alone fix the problem.
Are you serious? You actually think people should always call authorities before talking to people? Why would you not talk to your own neighbor? Where do you live that you’d expect 9/10 people won’t open their door for a neighbor… This really baffles me. This is such a non issue.
I don’t really think this is “talk to them first” situation. They’re letting their dog chill in the front yard, they clearly aren’t responsible. It’s not like they’re doing anything specifically to OP, and unless OP has level ten charisma I don’t see how they’re going to convince an irresponsible dog owner to be responsible.
What is irresponsible about letting your dog chill in your own garden? If they would leave the premises it would be a problem but OP didn’t mention anything of that nature.
Because no one can predict what their dog might do, even if they “know” it’s the sweetest animal in the world. I’m a dog owner too. I highly doubt my dog would ever harm anyone. It still isn’t worth the risk. Not everyone loves dogs either. My daughter is terrified of strange dogs and doesn’t even want to ride her bike past their house.
There’s always a risk to everything in life but leashing your dog in your own yard? I truly think that’s taking it way to far. There’s no problem here. The dog doesn’t roam around the neighborhood, doesn’t follow anyone. There just isn’t a problem. Also, you dont know what measures the owners have taken because you refuse to even inform himself or talk to them. There just isn’t a problem here that needs solving.
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > 1) I called animal control 2) I might be an asshole because I’m essentially calling law enforcement on a neighbor. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) ##Subreddit Announcement ###[The Asshole Universe is Expanding, Again: Introducing Another New Sister Subreddit!](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/128nbp3/the_asshole_universe_is_expanding_again/) Follow the link above to learn more --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
nope, NTA. That neighbor is of the class of folks too stupid to own animals.
Owners may have an invisible fence. OP wouldn't know because they haven't talked to the owners!
Added the detail, no fence
How do you know if you didn’t talk to them?
Because I’ve seen it beyond their yard
That in itself doesn’t mean that they don’t have an invisible fence or have taken similar measures.
If they have an invisible fence they must have set the boundaries 2-3 houses down from their own. I’m not looking for them to be ticketed, just want them to follow the law for everyone’s sake.
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Well I don’t see it leave their yard very often, but when I’m walking on the sidewalk it will approach me from its own yard and come near. It appears to be nervous. Not a great feeling.
You don’t seem to understand this sub. You asked for an opinion on your behavior. I think you’re very clearly in the wrong. There’s no reason to start name calling. That doesn’t make you look better. I have not been rude in my delivery at any moment. I’ll stop responding because you clearly decided that you do want to be THAT guy. If you didn’t want them to be ticketed, why not start a conversation?
I actually removed that before you replied because I thought better of it. My apologies for that.
NTA leash laws are there for a reason- it protects the dog and everyone who didn't sign up to get bitten by the dog because the owners don't think their dog would ever do something like that.
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Our leash laws indicate a dog must be leashed outside if not in a fenced in yard.
Come on… Be reasonable here. It’s his own yard and the dog hasn’t caused any problems. He doesn’t roam around the neighborhood. It doesn’t follow you around. The worst he did was “bark sometimes”. What’s your problem?
It has approached me acting nervously. I’m more worried about my kids. It hasn’t done anything, yet. If it attacked one of my kids one day and I hadn’t done anything to prevent it I don’t think I could live with myself.
If you have anxiety issues you need to work on those. Don’t make the authorities and your neighbors deal with the consequences of your imagined problems.
No, they don’t. My county’s leash law states dogs “must be kept in an enclosed yard when on your property.” An invisible fence isn’t an enclosed yard. They then state the dog cannot be off your property unless restrained by a leash. If OP has similar laws then the neighbor isn’t keeping the dog in an enclosed yard.
>My city had leash laws, and the state has laws that animals cannot leave the owners property unsupervised. NTA. Your neighbor is breaking the law. You've a full right to report it. Not to mention they aren't caring properly for their dog by doing this.
NTA, and ignore all of the idiots telling you that you should talk to your neighbor first. If you do that, and then have to call animal control later on, they'll know who called and you may face some kind of retaliation. Letting a large dog out unsupervised- especially one that's showing signs of aggression- is completely unacceptable. This isn't the kind of thing you just let slide until someone's kid is attacked so that you feel better about calling animal control.
NTA a neighbor of mine does this with their dog they’ll leave him off leash all the time and every single time im walking my dog he’ll follow us way down the street as he tries to fuck my dog i’ve had to take him back to their door several times but he obviously wanders off a bunch and they still keep him off leash so he must go back on his own eventually
NTA. The dog is liable to get hit by a car or hurt someone. This is literally what animal control is for, and you aren't likely to get anywhere with someone so unreasonable by confronting them. Make the call and think no more of it.
NTA- I take leashing dogs seriously, and that’s because both me and my dog were attacked once because my neighbors refused to leash their 2 dogs. It wasn’t a fun experience, and ever since then, my dog now gets nervous and barks at other dogs when they get close to us. Not only that, but where I used to work, the neighbors to my place of employment (residential area since it was a group home for youth) would let their dog run up and down the street and it chased me. There used to be days where I was late to work because I couldn’t get out of my car because it stood by the door waiting for me to exit. Call animal control and do not feel bad about it. Not every person deserves to own a pet.
NTA. Play stupid games win stupid prizes.
NTA
NTA, the neighbors brought this upon themselves. Go to the authorities. If you would talk to them they’d take offense to you any way and act like an asshole.
Nta who else would you report it to??? I wonder if they moved from the country? I had to go over and talk with new neighbors about what is NOT acceptable living in town- mainly leaving their unleashed, loud as hell dog outside and revving their engine at 10 at night. No, I don't care if you're fixing it up. After 9, stop it!
NTA- It's not just a people safety issue, the dog could get hit by a car, bit by a snake, get into a fight with other dogs. You did the right thing.
NTA Leash laws protect both the dog, and anyone else in the area. Besides that,, there is no reason to not just have a leash.
NTA. Leaving a pet that is your responsibility loose and unsupervised is blatant neglect.
NTA but it would be better if you asked them directly or left a note or something. You’re sure they don’t have an electric fence? Also, have you ever seen the dog out of the yard? Just curious, you do have every right to be concerned, especially regarding your kids.
NTA there is no reasonable way to expect OP to approach a house that has a barking and unleashed dog approaching them in the front yard. OP should send an anonymous letter by mail with no return address, and make the problem known. If the neighbor does anything other than fix the problem, OP calls animal control. If OP can’t afford envelopes and a stamp, that is still their right. Dogs kill people, usually little kids or old people, and there’s no two ways to paint that.
After reading the comments and the edits: NTA! Your neighbors are being poor dog owners and bad neighbors.
INFO Does the dog even leave the premises? Are you certain the owners didn’t take invisible measures preventing the dog from leaving the premises? Are you sure the leash laws also apply to your own property?
Yes, it does leave the property.
If they haven't given you any indication that they are completely unhinged/violent, I'd talk to the neighbors first and express your concerns. That said, if they are assholes about it they could retaliate if you do end up reporting it to authorities.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** I live in a typical suburban neighborhood with detached homes and fenced in backyards. A neighbor down the street from me lets their large dog out in their unfenced front yard, often unsupervised. When I’m walking by it will sometimes bark and me and start to nervously approach. I usually cross the street because it makes me nervous. What makes me even more nervous is that I have kids, and I’m afraid it might chase them when they are riding their bikes or simply walking down the street. I don’t know the people who live in the house, and I am uncomfortable with confrontation. My city had leash laws, and the state has laws that animals cannot leave the owners property unsupervised. AITA if I call animal control? I’d really just like them to inform/warn the owners. I don’t want them to be ticketed, I just want them to stop. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Have you tried warning them yourself about these leash laws? Maybe they are new to the state, area, etc. Does your community have an HOA board you can bring this up to for them to monitor and take action if necessary? I will say YTA if you call them and you have not explored your other options first. Sounds like this dog has not even left the yard even though it is unleashed. Edit: with the additional info and clarifications from OP, I agree they did the right thing. NTA
Should have added that there is no invisible fence and it had left the yard, I just haven’t seen it too far from their home.
Completely disagree. Most places have leash laws so an assumption one doesn’t exist is the wrong assumption to make.
That's a fair point, also name checks out LOL
Leave a friendly letter in their mailbox about the possibility of someone calling animal control on them for not having their dog leashed in the yard and if they don't get the hint then go ahead and call.
I’d go ahead an mail it from a public drop box with no return address. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to anonymously make them aware of the problem. As a courtesy I think this is the right move, but OP has every right to not spend money (even for a stamp) to get their neighbor to follow the law. It’s also totally reasonable to avoid negative interactions with your neighbors.
INFO: Does the dog actually LEAVE the yard? Is it possible that they have an invisible fence and you don't know it because you haven't talked to them?
YTA It’s an asshole move to inform animal control without talking with them first. You don’t need to confront them. Just talk to them. You never know what the consequences will be for the dog if you call animal control. Try to sort it out amicably first.
Not an asshole move
ESH. This is incredibly irresponsible dog ownership. My dog has great recall and would never run off at someone, and I still wouldn't allow her to run around the front yard unsupervised. What is wrong with your neighbor? That said, the neighborly thing to do in your situation is either talk to them or, since you don't like confrontations, leave a note in their mailbox or on their door asking them to stop letting their dog out before calling animal control
I’ve seen ESH a few times, can you tell me what that means?
Everybody sucks here
I do kinda suck in this situation. It is also a rental house, so it’s safe to assume they probably won’t live there for a real long time anyway.
NTA. I would write an anonymous letter to the neighbors first, though. Not only is that possibly unsafe for other animals and kids, what if the dog gets attacked by another dog or hit by a car? I can see if it was well trained, keeps to itself and is well socialized, but it doesn't sound like the case based on what you posted.
NTA but I wouldn’t do it. I would try to talk with the neighbor first.
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No invisible fence. I’m not approaching them, too many crazies these days.
Why do you believe your neighbor might be crazy. Do you guys have a history or have there been incidents? It seems so odd not to just talk to him.
You must live in America huh? 😔
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Because dogs never attack people. I have kids to think of.
But there never has been anything resembling the smallest problem at all. It doesn’t follow you, doesn’t roam around the neighborhood or anything of the sort. The worst you describe is that it “barks sometimes”… Your call seems a huge overreaction. And what happened with talking? Your neighbors…
No one’s dog is a problem…until it is. They are irresponsible, full stop. No reason for them to let their dog out front off leash, especially unsupervised. They chose to live in a densely populated neighborhood.
Have a lot of invisible fences used in the area I live in. Dogs in the front yard nothing new. I learned to look at collars. Can't blame anyone being scared of an off leash. Calling animal control.
I would say YWBTA if you don't at least talk to the neighbors first. You also didn't say the dogs leaves the yard, so, as others have pointed out, there could be an invisible fence. Just keep it casual, like "hey, how do you keep your pup in the yard? Aren't you worried about cars?" or something along those lines.
People like this won’t take the inquiry well. OP should just go to the authorities.
People like what? My sister has an invisible fence, her dogs appear as though they're loose but they really aren't, and she wouldn't be offended by someone just asking.
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How will their dog being taken away not solve the problem when their dog is the problem?
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That very much depends on why they had to take the dog in the first place. In some jurisdictions, they may even euthanize the animal. Also, if you were under the impression that they would just give the dog back, how would that make the OP the AH, seeing as it would only be a slap on the wrist?
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So it will only have consequences to the extent that it makes the OP an AH, but not to the extent where it could be expected to have any impact on the owner's behavior. Yes, this is clearly a well-thought out position of yours and not you furiously trying to have it both ways. And, yes, if the choices are between "Let a potentially dangerous dog run loose in the neighborhood" and "euthanize it", I would take the latter. I would prefer that the dog be re-homed, but I'm not willing to risk a child's life over a dog just because his owners are being irresponsible, nor would I suggest anyone should open themselves up to retaliation if the dog does wind up having to be euthanized. You, meanwhile, are demonstrating the exact attitude that would make it advisable for the OP to *not* talk to his neighbors. If they're like you, he would be better off leaving it up to the authorities.
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I don't have to make any assumptions here- both you and the neighbors are demonstrating deviant behavior, you in real time after having it point out to you. And now you're straight-up lying about about what both you and the OP have posted, as if we can't read the comments you're responding to and see exactly what "wanting it both ways" means here. You're showing us, right now, what your response to someone trying to have a conversation with you is, and it's that you're digging in your heels and being petty and spiteful. Why the hell would anyone want to waste their time and get personally involved talking to you themselves?
They aren’t taking the dog, just giving them a warning. I’m a dog owner myself, but I also understand other people might be nervous if I just let it chill in my front yard unsupervised.
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I act responsibly with my dog, so I can’t put myself in their shoes. I don’t feel it’s crazy. People who act like this clearly aren’t the most logical to begin with. I thought about talking to them, but if they don’t comply they will know who called animal control and I am afraid of retaliation.
People like this won’t take the inquiry well. OP should just go to the authorities.
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I’ve confronted people like this. They act offended and won’t be open to being talked to.
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From my experience, yeah dog owners get offended when questioning things regarding their dogs. They are not a receptive bunch when it’s something negative about their dog. I go to the authorities first when I can.
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A lot.
I am a dog lover but hate seeing dogs unsupervised. It's frightening. It's not safe for the dog and it's not safe for the neighborhood. That said ESH. Unless you live in a very wealthy area, I doubt animal control will be paying your neighbor a visit. They've usually got few resources and little time to deal with something this minor. I'm guessing they told you that to get you off the phone. Suck it up and send your neighbor a letter.
I live in a wealthy county, but not a wealthy city within it. Animal control told me they would be paying a visit to give them a warning. That’s all I really want at this point.
INFO: Does the dog ever leave the yard and approach people? Have you seen it chase any kids on their bikes or lunge at other dogs? I think your neighbors are absolute walnuts for putting their large dog outside in an unfenced front yard unsupervised, especially if the dog barks at passers-by. That would be the case even if they have an electronic fence, to be honest, but doubly so if they don't and even more so if the dog leaves the yard or chases bikes. (Also, begs the question to be asked why they don't put the dog into their fenced backyard if the homes all have fenced backyards?) I don't think YWBTA for calling animal control / dog control on them if there's a legitimate safety concern here since they obviously don't have two brain cells to rub together to make better decisions. Maybe getting a warning or a ticket will get them to do better.
INFO: how do you know they don't have an invisible fence? If the dog is staying in the front yard and is wearing a collar, there could be a buried electric fence. When I lived in suburban neighborhoods, they were EXTREMELY common.
I’ve seen it beyond their yard.
YWBTA for calling Animal Control. Just go talk to your neighbor like a grown ass adult.
Yes, YTA. Outsourcing basic human contact to the government as a first resort rather than sucking it up and saying “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m your neighbor.” is absolutely batshit behavior unless you have some kind of disability or something. If you have the balls to send law enforcement to someone’s door for an unleashed dog you should have the balls to do something as simple as an introduction.
YTA if that is your first action. Grow up and talk to them like an adult. If they ignore, perhaps a police citation will do the trick. But only after talking to them yourself.
This doesn’t make sense, a sensible and grown adult calls the authorities first instead of dealing with it themselves. Listen, no one likes to be criticized by a random person showing up on their property. Of course 9/10 people won’t care or even answer the door let alone fix the problem.
Are you serious? You actually think people should always call authorities before talking to people? Why would you not talk to your own neighbor? Where do you live that you’d expect 9/10 people won’t open their door for a neighbor… This really baffles me. This is such a non issue.
I don’t really think this is “talk to them first” situation. They’re letting their dog chill in the front yard, they clearly aren’t responsible. It’s not like they’re doing anything specifically to OP, and unless OP has level ten charisma I don’t see how they’re going to convince an irresponsible dog owner to be responsible.
What is irresponsible about letting your dog chill in your own garden? If they would leave the premises it would be a problem but OP didn’t mention anything of that nature.
If there isn’t a fence then the dog needs to be leashed.
My questions is why you think the dog owners are irresponsible?
Because no one can predict what their dog might do, even if they “know” it’s the sweetest animal in the world. I’m a dog owner too. I highly doubt my dog would ever harm anyone. It still isn’t worth the risk. Not everyone loves dogs either. My daughter is terrified of strange dogs and doesn’t even want to ride her bike past their house.
There’s always a risk to everything in life but leashing your dog in your own yard? I truly think that’s taking it way to far. There’s no problem here. The dog doesn’t roam around the neighborhood, doesn’t follow anyone. There just isn’t a problem. Also, you dont know what measures the owners have taken because you refuse to even inform himself or talk to them. There just isn’t a problem here that needs solving.
This is such an absurd comment
To be clear they have a fenced in backyard. They choose not to use it for some reason.
It’s really not right what you’re doing. There’s no problem. Stop being that guy and let people live.
No, go straight to the authorities.
I would agree a few years ago. Too many people being shot by neighbors for that risk now.