A family in California allegedly left their dog dead in their yard for days, while authorities reportedly took no action after a man filed a complaint. The neighbor shared a post asking for advice on how to handle the situation and detailing what had happened. He titled the post, “Neighbor’s dog is dead and has been decomposing in their yard for days.”
The man explained that his neighbors had two dogs, one of which had died. Based on the condition of the animal’s body, he believed it had been dead for several days. “I got suspicious of a foul odor I had been smelling for several days whenever I would step outside and finally took a look out of our window that overlooks the neighbors yard and could clearly see the dog in a state of decay,” he wrote.
The situation was even more heartbreaking because the family’s other dog was still alive and sitting next to the dead animal. “At times I could see it lay down next to it and it’s extremely sad,” the neighbor wrote. He also accused his neighbors of neglecting both dogs, claiming they routinely left them outside and did not bring them indoors during extreme heat or rain.
The concerned neighbor continued describing the dogs’ alleged living conditions, claiming they did not appear to have a bed or shade. He also said he did not know how often they were fed or given clean water. According to him, the neighbors only picked up their waste every few weeks. “I don’t know why they decided to get 2 dogs if they are not going to take any care of them,” he wrote.
The man also shared what he knew about the family’s routine, explaining that they were rarely home. “They are not home much, as far as I know they leave early in the morning before 7 and get home after sunset. Don’t know if they go to bed early because I hardly see lights on in the house,” he added.
Getting Authorities Involved
According to the neighbor, he first noticed the dead dog on Friday, October 23. He called the police non-emergency number, but they directed him to contact animal services. He then contacted Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), which allegedly instructed him to complete an animal abuse and neglect report online. The neighbor also said he submitted the form as requested.
When he did not see anyone come to check on the dog, the man contacted VCAS again on October 24. “They basically said the person who handles new reports was out that day and to try again Sunday or Monday,” he claimed. He then called the local police again to ask whether they could take any action, such as conducting a welfare check. However, the police reportedly told him once more that the matter fell under animal services.
Frustrated by the lack of an immediate response, the concerned neighbor shared his experience online and asked for advice. “My question is, is there anything else I can do? Or is it just a waiting game for VCAS to respond?” he wrote.
Internet Users Offer Advice to California Man Over Dog Situation
Internet users were quick to offer the California man advice on how to handle the situation, with some expressing concern about the neighbors’ whereabouts. “Um, are your neighbors alive?” one person wrote. Another suggested contacting the local health department, saying, “Call your local health department first thing tomorrow. Report the dead animal rotting next door, as well as their filthy yard.”
More people continued offering the man advice, with one commenter agreeing that the health department might be able to help. “Surprisingly health department is going to be your best bet,” the person wrote.
Another suggested asking the police to conduct a welfare check on the neighbors, writing, “Try the police again and ask for a wellness check on the people. Explain that you can see their pet dead in their yard and you haven’t seen anyone leave the residence in however long. Tell them you are concerned for your neighbors wellbeing. If you need to exaggerate a smidge so be it. So sorry, poor doggo.”
The post prompted discussions about the importance of reporting suspected animal neglect and taking action when a dog appears to be mistreated. It also raised concerns about how authorities respond to such reports and whether delays can leave animals without the help they need.
