Redditor Asks If Calling Animal Control About Neighbor's Freezing Dog Without Consulting Neighbor First Is Justifiable

When it's super cold outside, like 0°F cold with even colder winds, figuring out what to do about someone else's dog left outside can be tricky. This story is about OP, who saw their neighbor's dog, a mix of shepherd and lab, always outside, never playing or going inside, especially when it was freezing.

The dog didn't have any place to hide from the wind or keep warm. OP, who saw this, was worried but didn't want to talk directly to the dog's owner because of rumors that the owner wasn't the easiest person to deal with.

So, instead of talking to the neighbor, OP called animal control to help the dog, hoping they wouldn't have to get involved directly. Animal control came, checked things out, and decided to take the dog away, leaving a note for the owner.

The next day, the owner figured out who called and was upset, saying the person should have just talked to him first and even asked for money to cover the fines and fees.

OP, who called animal control, thought that if there were no problem, the dog wouldn't have been taken away. He wondered if he did the right thing by not talking to the neighbor first but decided not to pay the money the neighbor was asking for.

He was just trying to avoid a big fight and thought helping the dog was the most important thing.

OP called animal control over the weekend because his neighbor left their dog outside in freezing weather without any shelter.

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OP avoided talking to his neighbor because he heard he had conflicts with others in the neighborhood, and OP didn't want to deal with it.

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While the neighbor was away, animal control took their dog, leaving paperwork.

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Now OP wondering if he should have talked to them first.

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The dog's current condition is uncertain, and whether the neighbor will get it back remains unknown.

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OP can tell him that his kids should learn to keep pets safe.

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OP did the right thing for the puppy.

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OP should always support the innocent and don't ignore wrongdoing.

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OP doesn't owe him any money because he mistreated the dog.

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The owner's negligence is concerning.

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If the neighbors want consideration, they should treat their dogs well.

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Animal control can only take dogs from backyards if there's evidence of neglect or abuse, so OP did the right thing by reporting it.

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OP shouldn't feel guilty.

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OP did the right thing by calling animal control when he saw his neighbor's dog suffering outside in the cold. The neighbor wasn't taking good care of the dog, which is not okay.

If the neighbor wants understanding from others, they should treat their pets better. Animal control only takes pets away if there's proof of mistreatment, so OP's decision to report it was justified.

OP shouldn't feel bad about it because he was trying to help the dog. OP can also suggest to the neighbor that they should teach their kids how to take good care of pets.

It's important to make sure animals are safe and comfortable.