kazzo

We have a problem that is causing me a little distress, as a dog lover...

In one of the houses near to ours the family have about 4 small terrier type dogs. These wander round their garden and occasionally onto the little road leading to our house - they are normally not a problem. Recently one of the dogs has been barking quite a lot and then we have heard what sounds like it being hit with something like a belt or strap and then it yelps as though in pain. We have not seen what happens but the dog does cry out.

If I were in England hearing this I would have called the RSPCA to ask them to investigate. I am not sure what to do in France?

Can anyone advise me, please?

Ka Ora!

If it was children you can, But as for animals I don't think there is much you can do about it. Unless someone else has some ideas.

Beaverstate

You might suggest to them a bark collar for their dog. There are several types available from shock to aerosol to a system which emits an unpleasant sound. I had a problem barker then bought one. No more barking. Good luck!

Peabrain

Hi,

Best thing would be to call the SPA (Société de Protection des Animaux.) Their web site has info about the sorts of sentences handed down to people that inflict cruel treatment on animals. They are present throughout France.
PB

dmu

I agree, but the OP hasn't actually seen the owners hit the dog. He'd need photographic proof of the cruel act to denounce.
I don't know where the OP lives, but it doesn't help if the local SPA isn't nearby - ours is 45 km away.
There are certainly many French dog owners who aren't as caring with their pets as others and it's an unpleasant part of life here that has to be accepted. Since one has to remain on good terms with one's neighbours, a diplomatic solution would be to OFFER a bark collar "because the barking disturbs our peace", without mentioning what else you hear. Everyone, including the dog, would be happier...

kazzo

Thanks for all the advice. We will look into bark- stopping collars as we don't want to cause an international incident!
I will probably also keep eyes and ears open as I am concerned that this is a situation where both the adults in this house are mis-treating one or more of their dogs (possibly regardless of the barking).
We can see the garden from one of our bedrooms (though I am not in the habit of twitching the shutters - so to speak!). Might have to watch if my concerns continue...
Thanks!

kazzo

We are in the south of Deux Sevres and it looks like we are in an area where the SPA is non-existent. Nearest appears to be La Roche sur Yon (if I have checked the site correctly). So this might not be an option anyway, so an anti-bark collar might be best.

Peabrain

I agree that it's always a good idea to try and stay on the right side of your neighbours, although experience shows that people who mistreat animals are morons that one wouldn't necessarily wish to associate with, and if you have contact with them, their ill-treatment of their dogs be like an elephant in the room. If things should get worse, and you feel you haven't got any choice (along the lines of "a man's got do to what a man's got to do") then give the SPA in La Roche a call and they'll advise. Or get your neighbours to put in the call for you ...

Tweedpipe

A difficult situation I agree.
I suggest that if your concerns continue - and given that you have some sort of view over their garden - that you may wish to carefully observe what's actually happening.
If you have a pair of binoculars, use them. If not I know of a good and very cheap spotting scope that one of the guys at the club highly rates. Details HERE.
As most spotting scopes are over 150€, for the low price of this one you can't go wrong, and it comes complete with a tripod.
Not surprisingly the optical efficiency of any cheapish scope diminishes with failing light, but other than that for daytime use it's worth considering.
Agreed, a bark-stopping collar would cost you much less (examples HERE), but you would be depriving yourself of a personal peeping-Tom kit for future 'secret missions'.
Good luck, and keep us advised of how things turn out.

SuzieB

Hello Kazzo

I went to the SPA in Belfort, they don't seem to function as the RSPCA. After found DDCSPP, govt dept.

http://www.territoire-belfort.gouv.f.../ddcspp_1/view

They sadly didn't help to save our neighbours' rabbits but I know they helped with another problem in our village. May be worth a try? obviously type in your nearest town.

good luck

Suzie

kazzo

Fortunately they are not people we usually socialise with and so there would be not difficulties if we have to go down that route of reporting. Things have quietened down - another neighbour who we spent a lot of time with has had a word.
We don't need any special kit to see their garden as they are just across the small roadway from us (so will have to forego the opportunity to set ourselves up with high tech spying kit!). We'll continue to keep a watch and listen out but hopefully things may have settled.

MillieF

I recently went through a year from hell with a young couple who rented the house that backs onto our garden. They built a cage and stuck two hunting dogs in it. They barked constantly when the owners weren't there and when the owners were there, the man used a whip! to get the dogs to shut up. I lived with the sound of the barking all day....I offered to buy them an anti bark collar, but the said that was 'unfair to the dog'! I tried to be nice, but these people were scum. They went out three times a week till the early hours of themorning, and all over the weekend and the dogs just barked....I hated that year, I hated my garden, my kid couldn't sleep, nor could we. Eventually every time they came home I screamed at them, being nice just didn't work. They left a couple of months ago and the relief has been tremendous. I have a lovely dog, so do lots of our neighbours, but all you need I some dreadful type of person and your peace is shattered. Best of luck.