To my mind that is a clear cut case of animal abuse - any animal should be provided enough space to at least get some kind of movement, let alone be taken out for walks to relieve frustration.

Then again I tend to be pretty militant about these sort of things and feel that anyone owning a husky or other excessively hairy, cold weather dog in a country like Namibia where it gets way to hot for them is also animal abuse (alright except maybe for the coast where it remains mild enough throughout the year). I also feel that people who live in a complex or have a small garden have no right to get a big dog, even if they have the time or inclination to take it for daily walks. Heck, even things people do that they think are 'treating' their dogs can be a form of abuse, things like feeding a dog chocolate or cheese, neither of which are healthy for dogs!

Getting a bit carried away here (something that easily happens when I speak about animals) so let me just say that I agree with you that the situation you described is tantamount to abuse of the animal!

Posted 4 Jan 2010 by Deacon

I tend to react the way you do when it comes to animals, and that is why this upsets me this much. Others tell me im being unrealist due to the fact that the animal seems to be in good shape, and gets fed well. I think I'll report this to Tatjana and have her look into it further should she see the need.

Thanks.

Posted 4 Jan 2010 by Majorworried

Hi also get carried away, and so I will try and keep myself intact....

First of all, animals that get kept in a small area become irritated and normally go for the owners (remember the rotties that ripped the girl apart after her matric fairwell in SA a couple of years ago?).
We should learn to think like this.....would you like to live like that? If the answer is no, then it is NO for your animal (pet)!
How would you feel to be locked up in such a small area? You want us to see how you feel? I will put you in such a small space with great pleasure!! TAKE YOUR DOG OUT OF THE CAGE!!!

Deacon I agree, some people go "ag shame but chocolate is so lekker!". It won't be so lekker when your dog goes blind will it? Will you still love them, look after them and pay for Vet bills? Even giving your dogs bones is bad for them! You know that? So many people go "NO it is not bad for them....shame you must give them bones" even after you explain to them what bones do to them (bad) but then owners cry when they have to cough up 3000 to the Vet to remove the bone stuck in their organs!!

Look at me running away....
I must keep some for later, cause there are going to be so many of those "ag shame-chocolate and bones" owners who are going to come out screaming! The truth hurts! You can do other lovely things for your pets that are healthier for them!

Thanks Majorworried and Deacon! People need to start waking up!

Posted 4 Jan 2010 by Dune-Bug

I know a lady in her mid 40s. She has no husband or children and her entire live consists of her house, her parents and work. The reason I mention this is because I want you to keep this in mind when I describe the next part.

I think some pet owners go way overboard when allowing their pets (especially dogs) certain things. This lady feeds her dog candy. She would go and buy herself chocolate or sweets and the dog will start whining or give her the puppy eyed stare and she give the dog the candy followed by "ag shame, wil mama se kind ook lekkers hè" She goes and buys the dog KFC, T-bone steaks, Biltong etc. I see this as SUPER WRONG. There are people eating far less than this dog. If the dog sits on a chair, dont you dare chase it off because it was there first.

If the dog gets out of the car with her (and it never wears a leash because its a child and not a dog) and it charges someone and that person says VOETSEK or something then she's on that person's case because how dare she speak to her child in such a way. The poor dog even has to wear diapers when its on heat because the dog isnt allowed to stay home alone because it is a child.

I sympathize with this woman because I know she is deep down very lonely but geez somethings are just to much. I will never let a dog rule my life or stare food out of my plate. I dont know, maybe Im not a big pet person but share your views on this.

Posted 11 Jan 2010 by Commissar

I too know someone like this. The dogs get treated better than what she treats her children when they go visit. I totally agree with you that this is wrong, and as Deacon said earlier, there are many forms of animal cruelty. I truly believe this dog wont live to see it's full age, due to the diet she is being fed (chips, rusks, sweets and cakes), but the woman will not listen to reason. She truly believes that she is giving the dog the best type of life it deserves. And nobody will win that fight with her!

Posted 11 Jan 2010 by Majorworried

I am so happy to see that there are a few people with some brains...
I understand how some people feel, I also go....ag shame my baby...and let her on the couch with me...NO i don't feed her bones, or sweets, or anything else that is known to be unhealthy for cats and dogs!

Do you know that 'pap' is worthless for your dogs. It has no nutritional value, it only makes them full for a while. Don't feed your dog pap!

I agree with you looking after your dog, take it to the vet for a yearly check up (and no it is not expensive!), give it the best dog food, make sure it has a place to sleep, enough water, love and attention and space in the yard. don't chain your dog to anything, then what is the point of having one if he can't run to the gate to bite the feet of theives!

I really wish people would learn to treat them with love and respect, like love us no matter and what are loyal to us forever!!

Posted 12 Jan 2010 by Dune-Bug