So the people who live in the house right behind me moved out nearly a week ago and it seems they have left two pit bulls behind.

They have always been outside dogs and I thought they were at least being taken care of, but I went into their yard today and noticed they are both fairly emaciated, with a few wounds, nearly embedded collars and are so closely wound around trees they can barely get under shelter.

There is food thrown on the ground for one of them and they both have some water. But I haven't seen anyone at the house for days and there is a padlock on the door. I don't really want to call animal control since I know the reputation pit bulls have been given, and are rarely adopted out. I haven't heard any word back from some of the rescue groups I've contacted either. What should I do next? Any opinions? Advice? Suggestions?

I'd take them both in but I've got a doberman and two cats of my own, and they are intact males I'm not sure how well that would go over. I could at the most take one as a foster. ANY HELP OR ADVICE IS NEEDED!

PICTURES ARE IN GALLERY!

[Edited on December 17, 2006 at 4:56 PM. Reason : .]

12/17/2006 4:55:57 PM

No one cares??

12/17/2006 5:12:13 PM

Speaking of Pit Bulls, a baby one(just taken from is mother) chewed off 4 toes on a baby....they showed a pic the puppy, cute and all, just a puppy....they think it thought it could nurse.....what is weird is the parents were sleeping right beside the baby on a matress, and the baby was in one of those carrying things...the parents eventually woke up, but damn, after the 4th one is chewed off? I figured they were passed out or something. Anyways, lots of people from around the country want to adopt the puppy, however, until the trail is over(parents arrested) nothing happens to the puppy...after the trial, the judge decides.

[Edited on December 17, 2006 at 5:16 PM. Reason : w]

12/17/2006 5:15:35 PM

contact Lutra

12/17/2006 5:17:55 PM

damn they look like theyre in bad shape

12/17/2006 5:28:10 PM

it would probably be better if they were put out of their misery if they are that bad off

plus it sounds like they were fighting dogs


I assume this was a trailer not a house right

because pit bulls are for trailer trash and hood rats

12/17/2006 5:41:40 PM

I know you don't want the dogs put to sleep, but please call animal control. The dogs need attention. This is sad and there is no excuse. Please don't let the people that did that just get away with it.

12/17/2006 6:06:09 PM

^

12/17/2006 6:07:26 PM

pit bulls are fucked. don't want them killing babies or something.

12/17/2006 6:09:02 PM

The medical attention isn't a problem, I can provide that. It is more finding a suitable home for them to foster them while they recover. I agree animal control does need to be contacted but I don't want them going away with the dogs, especially when I have the means available to help care for them, just not the shelter.

12/17/2006 6:12:07 PM

Well, legally they aren't your property and there is a padlock, so you cannot/should not try and take them on your own. A rescue would not be able to do anything either. Unfortunately you'll have to involve animal control/the police because dogs are considered property, and otherwise you'd be stealing personal property. There's just no way around it. But, please do something asap. Those dogs are certainly not the worst I've seen, but they need medical attention.

12/17/2006 6:41:10 PM

try contacting these guys: http://www.ascpbr.com/ they're atleast somewhat local and could perhaps give you leads on other rescues for them.


but nonetheless, something needs to be done because the way they're living isnt at all suitable.

12/17/2006 6:43:31 PM

Animal control isn't going to just come out and kill the dogs. They'll probably work with you if you want to continue trying to find a home for them and it will be easier to find a home for a healthy dog than a sick/injured one.

12/17/2006 6:45:15 PM

Yea, they wouldn't put them asleep just because they're pit bulls. They only put the dogs to sleep if they're too old, sick, or dangerous or something. Call animal services. It's great you're tryin to help them!

12/17/2006 7:20:56 PM

steal them and contact an adoption agency like http://www.bfpa.org they are a great organization....no dog deserves to be treated like that

[Edited on December 17, 2006 at 7:57 PM. Reason : asdf]

12/17/2006 7:56:50 PM

you should call animal control. they will not euthanize the dogs unless they are aggressive. there is a pitt rescue that can help. You can also try Sound Pet Rescue, they help pitts as well.

Those dogs need help b/c they are very emaciated.

12/17/2006 8:58:47 PM

12/17/2006 11:20:16 PM

damn, those things look terrible. i'd definitely call animal control.

12/18/2006 12:55:06 AM

ya i hope you called animal control by now

12/18/2006 2:11:43 AM

i'll continue to say call animal control

Its not the breed, its the condition. If they have always been outside and now are in such bad shape they may not be adoptable. Its not that I have anything against pit bulls, its any dog treated in that manner.

Please call animal control, tell them your hopes of rehabilitation for these two but recognize that they do tests to determine adoptablility. One major problem with abused/neglected dogs is food aggression, which is dangerous for *any* owner to take on, unless well experienced.

12/18/2006 8:09:55 AM

You are completely wRONG thinking that person would be guilty of theft.

If an animal is in a destressed state you can actually be held accountable for NOT doing anything when you know about it. Same thing for a human, just not as severe.

Since those animals were obviously in distress and in dire need of food/shelter/medical attention he has every right as a CITIZEN to assist them. No court of law would ever try to fight that. Just make sure you take pictures of the state they are in and you're covered.

Do they seem friendly? Skiddish? Agressive?

If they are agressive they will be destroyed by Animal Control. Most shelters won't even take them in anymore. They are great dogs if trained. Very loyal, very playful but they are very protective so keep that into account when raising them. They need lots and lots of social interaction to keep them from becoming "Bad dogs".

12/18/2006 8:15:24 AM

If they were fighting dogs, I doubt they would let her walk up to them and take pictures.

12/18/2006 8:22:27 AM

Quote :

"They only put the dogs to sleep if they're too old, sick, or dangerous or something"

Yes, they'll put them through a gauntlet of social tests. Given these dogs are starving, they probably won't pass the food aggressiveness test ... just my opinion. But yes they won't knock em out just because they're pits.


I agree these don't look like fighting dogs ... those sores look more related to poor living conditions. I'd call a rescue org, and send them the pics, but at the same time call animal control. If any legal action is/can be taken against the owners, I think the police have to be involved in some way, probably through the SPCA ... not sure on that though. I don't know if you can legally obtain it but if you can find out where the owners went or ph#s or something I'm sure whomever you call will appreciate it.

12/18/2006 8:41:05 AM

You would be suprised, we adopted a pit that was a fighter from a "friend" and that dog was amazing and very laid back around people. In fact he was laid back around almost all dogs except ones who tried to challenge his authority. We eventually gave him to another friend and he is a happy and healthy dog. These guys do have a bad rap...most are gentle and loving dogs but Ill be honest, we were worried he was going to get loose and pull down a horse since he loved to bark at them. I

12/18/2006 8:44:21 AM

call Animal Control

the previous owners need to be held responsible for what they did. If they really did abandon these dogs and the dogs are deemed neglected then Animal Control can press charges against them. The dogs will be held onto at the shelter until the case is settled. Then after the case is settled the dogs will be temperment tested and assessed and if they are deemed adoptable then they are given a second chance. They look like pit mixes which is in their favor. (easier to adopt out a pit mix then a full pit)


these people might do this (or worse) to other dogs in the future and will never learn otherwise.

12/18/2006 9:23:27 AM

More than likely they have heartworms if they are outside dogs. I doubt the owners are giving them heartworm prevention if they can't even keep meat on their bones. Even if someone is willing to pay for the treatment, not all dogs in that condition survive it. Definitely not saying don't bother giving them a chance, but just another thought to put out there.
Call Animal Control!!!!
People suck and I hope they suffer just as these dogs are.

12/18/2006 9:37:06 AM

For once I have to disagree with powerstroke! This is a first. Although, in this situation, it sounds like hes right.

Anyway, you can call Animal Control and tell them the situation and that if they will come and assess the situation, you will make the decision of turning them over and being the contact if they're not adopted out within the adoption period--if the law says thats ok being that they're on abandoned property. This will give you plenty of time to prepare to be a foster, or help the find homes. You really should let animal control deal with the emaciation, that's not easy to care for and sometimes, you can make them worse if you dont know what youre doing. (I'm not saying that you dont know what youre doing, but you cant do all the tests and medicating that those guys really need.) Hope you can work something out, thats a sad situation. I'm not a fan of pits myself, but I still wouldn't wish death on them if they're capable of living normally.

Are they friendly?

12/18/2006 10:16:09 AM

Quote :

"call Animal Control"

12/18/2006 10:55:52 AM

Haven't read the thread, but come on pit bulls are the worst, call someone and have them taken care of.

Pit bulls are just some dogs that cannot be rehabilitated.

Shoot I want to call Animal Control on my neighbors just because they let their pit bull in the back of the woods behind the house with no leash.

12/18/2006 10:56:40 AM

take the denver, co approach and shoot pit bulls on sight.

12/18/2006 11:06:07 AM

^^are you an animal control officer?
do you work for a rescue?
are you an expert on rehabitation? or pitt bulls for that matter?

i'm guessing not so stfu


i rescued a lab/pit mix that was a bait dog in a fighting ring. After a lot of patience and working with him he is the sweetest most docile dog. Any breed of dog can have problems and usually the ignorant owner is to blame. these dogs deserve a second chance.

[Edited on December 18, 2006 at 11:07 AM. Reason : c]

12/18/2006 11:07:33 AM

Pitts are just like rottweilers in temperment. Pitts are just often used in fighting because they are very good fighters. Muscle, powerful jaws etc. A lot of them are bred to be violent, but just like any dog you can socialize them and many can be rehabilited to a point.

Food aggressiveness and aggressiveness toward other dogs doesn't mean they can't be adopted out. It just means it would not be a good choice for a family with kids. Maybe a farm, or junkyard etc.

People who give up on animals because of shit that isn't their fault are sad individuals. What if you were thrown into a fighting ring or staved in the back yard and you couldn't get away. "Ooops sorry, guess we have to put you down". Think twice before you make assinine comments.

12/18/2006 11:16:26 AM

I agree, call animal control. They do look like they're in pretty bad shape. If you don't want to do that, then just take them in, keep them under your care (take them to the vets) and try to find them a home for Christmas or New Years. Plenty of people are looking for dogs around this time of year.

12/18/2006 11:18:34 AM

After a lot of patience and working with him he is the sweetest most docile dog.

Well good for you, most people don't have the time for that.

12/18/2006 11:23:47 AM

You might also want to try the Wake County SPCA.
They can give you some good advice and may even be willing to take the dogs after animal control sees them.

12/18/2006 11:31:07 AM

Quote :

"Pit bulls are just some dogs that cannot be rehabilitated"

Havent read anything this dumb in a while. Definitely one of the most uneducated, closed minded responses I've seen in a while. Some of the best rescues have been pits; and guess what! Even ones that were used for fighting and were severely mistreated!

May sound cliche, but watch Animal Planet or National Geographic's "The Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Milan...you may learn a little something.

12/18/2006 11:34:24 AM

This thread makes me so sad... I'm sad there haven't been any updates on them either.

No matter what, these dogs need to be rescued. I don't care by who, heck, I'll go over there and get them. If it's illegal, I'd gladly take my day in court or go to jail for it.

And to all of you that are bashing "agressive" breed dogs... you're all idiots who obviously have no dog experience. My boyfriend and I have rescued 3 dogs, all of which are considered to be pit, boxer, german shep, etc. and all have become wonderful members of our family. Yeah, members of our family, I said it.

Our two most recent adopt pups (which I made a thread about a while back) were VERY food aggressive because of being strays but after hand feeding them and handling them while they ate on their own they're now fine. They still down a bowl of food in 30 seconds, but the growling and teeth-showing is gone. Problem solved.

[Edited on December 18, 2006 at 11:36 AM. Reason : ...]

12/18/2006 11:35:29 AM

pits are awesome dogs... If i didnt already have a chi and a great dane i'd jump at it :x


ya an update on what happend would be neat

12/18/2006 11:51:57 AM

Oh jeez, take a look at the majority of these dogs. I just think it is a stupid breed to be placing beside kids, small yards, and enclosed quarters.

Pitbulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 75% of serious injury related bites.

I didn't mean to take so much of an absolute statement that they cannot be rehabilitated. I am just satying this isn't a breed where you can just take them into a warm home and pet them.

12/18/2006 11:52:31 AM

and the majority of this thread thinks you're a moron ... so there's that

68% of statistics are completely fabricated on the spot btw

[Edited on December 18, 2006 at 11:54 AM. Reason : .]

12/18/2006 11:53:11 AM

all dogs have the potential to be agressive if they are not given discipline and rules to follow . . but to make a blanket statement like rotties and pits are bad pets is just plain ignorant.

12/18/2006 11:56:55 AM

Ah forget it, please take in the damn dogs, take it to class with you. Have fun.

12/18/2006 12:29:22 PM

i have more compassion for dogs than i do humans. (most of the time)

12/18/2006 12:50:14 PM

The only reason pits and rotties have the highest percentage of dog bites is because they actually do damage therefore have to be reported. If you really did your research you would see that small dogs (cockers, doxies, jrt, etc) have the highest number of bites but they aren't as documented since they do not do as much damage.

12/18/2006 1:23:23 PM

not to mention he completly ignored chows and dobermans etc in his list of evil dogs


such wonderful openmindedness is obviously more suited to the soap box !

12/18/2006 1:35:33 PM

Quote :

"After a lot of patience and working with him he is the sweetest most docile dog. Well good for you, most people don't have the time for that."

Yeah, but then again, most people shouldn't own pets. All you have to do is look at all the poorly behaved, aggressive, neurotic dogs out there to see why. It's all about the owner not the animal. Shit, it's the same thing with children.

12/18/2006 1:42:19 PM

One seemed extremely mellow when I approched him, the other was a little more rambunctious but become submissive when I'd move to quickly. He did however try to mount me several times, very gross which I guess is a dominance thing. Granted they seem good around people, but I'm not sure around dogs. I'd take them in in a heartbeat but I'm insanely protective over my dobie and if anything were to happen to him because of my bleeding heart and carelessness I'd be devastated. I did call animal control this afternoon and they are going to "investigate it" One animal rescue after contacting MANY has been willing to help me find fosters. I'm kind of dissapointed that only one responded. I'll see what happens after today.

As far as food agressiveness the one let me take food from the pile in front of him, put it in a pan to give to the other. And the other one let me take the pan from him when he was done...I'm not sure if that is a clear sign of whether they'd have the trait but it seems good enough for me!

Thanks for all the input! If you know of any other shelters/rescues that would be willing to help LET ME KNOW!!

[Edited on December 18, 2006 at 1:48 PM. Reason : ,]

12/18/2006 1:47:33 PM

I'm all for helping dogs, because I am a huge dog person, but be smart about it


call the appropriate people and let them handle it


and for whoever compared fighting dogs to humans, well... apples and oranges

[Edited on December 18, 2006 at 1:50 PM. Reason : jsut read your post above mine ]

12/18/2006 1:49:43 PM

http://www.bfpa.org is a large well-organized rescue that i've fostered and volunteered for before.

I'd offer to foster but....
i'm taking a much needed break from fostering until at least Feb.
my most recent foster went to her new home last Wed and i need a break
(i already own 4 plus roommate has 1)
I've had 47 rescues/fosters come in and out of my door in the past 10 months.
All pulled from a high-kill shelter

plus my pack would have problems with intact males.
but please keep us up to date on what happens with them.
If the bag of food runs out let me know and i'd be willing to buy some to help them out.

12/18/2006 2:51:49 PM

I got my cat from bfpa

12/18/2006 4:43:01 PM