Dog chained outside 24/7
I believe it is legal (although not moral) to keep a dog outside, 24/7 as long as there is shelter, food and water.
I don't think it's legal if it's like 1 degree outside, as it's supposed to be this weekend.
Yes, as long as it is adequate shelter. The 2 dogs that froze to death in South Jersey were left with only plastic dog houses - no insulation - to survive sub-zero temps. Water was frozen as well. THAT warrants animal cruelty and I believe charges were pending in that case.
I used to have a Great Pyrenees, a dog bred to live outdoors with a thick coat of fur. A pit bull has no such insulation and that is the type of dog we are talking about.
Also, they need sufficient room to walk around and lay down. This dog is on a fairly short chain with nowhere to go. It's inhumane.
Either way, my point is to REPORT it and let the authorities decide. At least you are doing the best you can for the animal.
In SO at least, It is illegal if there is insufficient shelter and under certain temperatures you are required to bring dogs inside. And Maplewood tends to be more animal-friendly than SO.
Thanks, hauscat. I'm just really worried about the upcoming temps... 
Why not start by ringing the door bell and talking to these folks? If that doesn't work, go to a town council meeting and say it out loud including the address.
maggiesmom said:
Yes, as long as it is adequate shelter. The 2 dogs that froze to death in South Jersey were left with only plastic dog houses - no insulation - to survive sub-zero temps. Water was frozen as well. THAT warrants animal cruelty and I believe charges were pending in that case.
I used to have a Great Pyrenees, a dog bred to live outdoors with a thick coat of fur. A pit bull has no such insulation and that is the type of dog we are talking about.
Also, they need sufficient room to walk around and lay down. This dog is on a fairly short chain with nowhere to go. It's inhumane.
Either way, my point is to REPORT it and let the authorities decide. At least you are doing the best you can for the animal.
So, what did they say when you reported it?
If you contact the Maplewood Board of Health they will investigate.
if someone comes with me I could accidentally put the dog in my car.
blianderson said:
if someone comes with me I could accidentally put the dog in my car.
Yay, sounds like a plan, sorry I am so old, can't help. My heart aches for the dog tough!
Its worth calling. I called the NJSPCA when some activists posted a couple of dogs on a freezing night recently and stated that I was worried because I had learned about the dogs that had recently froze to death. A couple of others called and the NJSPCA went and rescued the dogs. If it is in Maplewood I would definitely tell Bob Rowe. He is a very compassionate man and if there is something he can do, he will do it. I'm actually meeting with him tomorrow so I'm happy to follow up.
Thanks all for your comments! I've been in touch with St. Hubert's as well as the NJSPCA. St. Hubert's is aware (case has already been opened) and they are the ones who told me to call the NJSPCA & follow up. I also told them I would post about the situation and they suggested that the more calls that are made, the better. I believe Bob knows about the situation since St. Hubert's is involved but I will call anyway. Thanks for following up, Morganna...
maggiesmom said:
Thanks all for your comments! I've been in touch with St. Hubert's as well as the NJSPCA. St. Hubert's is aware (case has already been opened) and they are the ones who told me to call the NJSPCA & follow up. I also told them I would post about the situation and they suggested that the more calls that are made, the better. I believe Bob knows about the situation since St. Hubert's is involved but I will call anyway. Thanks for following up, Morganna...
Great work, and I did speak with Bob yesterday as I was at a meeting with him. Also was at St. Hubert's in the morning. Please keep us posted so we know if it is resolved. The temperature is really going to dip so if anyone can post a picture, I will post it on FB as well. The more exposure, (no pun intended) the more the NJSPCA will feel the need to respond. You can PM the specific address so that I can report it. I'll call it in today if the dog is still out.
I spoke to our ACO from St. Hubert's and he has done everything he can at this point. It is up to the NJSPCA to move forward if this animal is to be saved. The owner(s) are aggressive and confrontational and are not allowing anyone near the backyard. Remember, they have done this before multiple times throughout the years with multiple dogs who mysteriously "disappear" after awhile being left outside in all weather conditions (including crazy hot weather too.) NOT NICE PEOPLE.
Thanks so much maggiesmom for posting this. South Orange did pass an ordinance last year (#15-01) that made leaving an animal out in weather like this illegal. You might inform the Maplewood Town Council as well, and ask if they will consider passing a similar ordinance.
I will also call the NJSPCA tomorrow. If anyone else can call, that could make the difference for the dog being alive or dead.
citizenjane said:
South Orange did pass an ordinance last year (#15-01) that made leaving an animal out in weather like this illegal. You might inform the Maplewood Town Council as well, and ask if they will consider passing a similar ordinance.
So that makes South Orange less "animal friendly" than Maplewood, as hauscat posted upthread?
blianderson said:
At what address do we tell the NJSPCA the dog is located?
This seems important. If they don't know where the dog is or that multiple calls are being received about the same dog, what will they make of it? Focus the effort for maximum effect. And if all else fails, go in at night and cut the chain. Have a van ready and waiting.
This kind of thing makes me so mad. Why do people like that even want to have a dog??? If it's about security, an alarm system would cost less and be less trouble.
PeggyC said:
blianderson said:
At what address do we tell the NJSPCA the dog is located?
This seems important. If they don't know where the dog is or that multiple calls are being received about the same dog, what will they make of it? Focus the effort for maximum effect. And if all else fails, go in at night and cut the chain. Have a van ready and waiting.
This kind of thing makes me so mad. Why do people like that even want to have a dog??? If it's about security, an alarm system would cost less and be less trouble.
This is terrible self righteous advice. You have no right to trespass, destroy property, or steal. Call the town, and anyone else you can, but don't set yourself up to be arrested or stabbed.
OK, so I wasn't serious about stealing the dog, but can we address the fact that people who want to help need to know where the dog is so they can tell the authorities and send them to the right place?
I wasn't the first person to suggest that, either, FilmCarp, so why are you coming down so hard on me?
Something to propose locally?
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2016/01/new-york-residents-to-face-stiff-penalties-for-leaving-dogs-in-the-cold/
Thanks to all whom are trying to help. I did hear back from the NJSPCA so I know they have the information. We just need to make it a priority. I was advised not to post the address "publicly" so I've reached out to those of you who requested address. Please check PMs.
Please send me the address so I know what I'm talking about when I call. Thanks for shedding light on this unspeakable act. I hate these people for being so cruel.
maggiesmom said:
Thanks to all whom are trying to help. I did hear back from the NJSPCA so I know they have the information. We just need to make it a priority. I was advised not to post the address "publicly" so I've reached out to those of you who requested address. Please check PMs.
You're welcome to PM me the info. If I see anything I'll be sure to call the NJSPCA and the MPD.
Well, I drove by property last night around 10ish and the dog didn't seem to be outside. YAY! My husband walked our dog past the fence today and not a peep. So, it looks like the owner(s) KNOW now that people have reported them and are watching their behavior - at least in this weather. (What they've done in the past.) I'm not sure if they were visited by the NJSPCA (hope so) but they WERE visited multiple times by our ACO from St. Hubert's so they know that they are being monitored. That's the best we can hope for under the circumstances. That poor dog may never know the love and care of a compassionate owner but at least he won't be suffering quite as much now. I will keep my eye on this pittie & will keep everyone updated if circumstances change.
THANK YOU to all who called and offered assistance! It probably saved his life.
PLEASE call NJ SPCA (800-582-5979) as well as the St. Huberts (973-377-2296) to report animal cruelty/neglect especially with such bitter weather coming up this weekend.
There is a pit bull on Midland Blvd that is kept chained to a tree in the backyard & has been kept this way since they got him. These people have had dogs off & on throughout the years and have ALWAYS chained them outside constantly. It's horrible. I can't imagine that their neighbors are unaware but it could be that people are wary of confrontation. Understandable.
That is why I posted these numbers. PLEASE call and report animal abuse/neglect! With a whole state to monitor, it helps if as many people as possible call to report the same situation so the authorities know that it is indeed an issue.
Thank you!