So. Long story short: If you knew someone very close to you was responsible for low grade animal neglect and that reporting them may end in them catching a totally undeserved felony charge, would you do it? And if not, are you just as responsible?
In effort to stay anonymous let assume the person I am discussing is immediate family, and they have a young toddler with another child on the way. They also have three dogs, two of which are poorly potty trained. They claim that due to their busy schedules there isn't enough time to walk or groom them properly. So despite the fact that they often urinate and defocate all over the floor, they rarely get exercise or attention and are riddled with fleas and skin irritation/scabs that leave them bloody and bald in spots. They also claim because of their limited income the animals sometimes go 5-7 days without food and have not been to a vet in over a year-- yet their husband buys cigarettes and 1-2 six packs of beer,every, single, night-- even willing to drive to Lexington (we are in Richmond) on Sundays to do so. One of the dogs is a senior and has such bad dental health he reeks and cries in pain. Two of them are going blind for unknown reasons, the third dog is an unfixed female and hasn't ever been screened for cancer or other similar complications. They really only show love and affection to the younger unspayed dog but won't-- refuse to-- do anything to rehome the other two. So as simple as it sounds, if I do report them I risk putting their family in jeopardy. As I understand it, animal neglect in Kentucky is a felony charge, right? One of them is almost halfway through a pregnancy and the other is the only breadwinner in the home, if either of them are prosecuted their children's life will be ruined. And despite their treatment of the animals they are wonderful parents and do not deserve to lose their family because of this. So while I feel both a serious concern for the animals and a responsibility to take action I don't know how to do so without hurting my family. But if I don't act aren't I making myself just as guilty? Please realize that while your passion for animals may be strong and this issue may seem simple this decision is going to be life changing for all involved and try to empathize with me in a helpful way.
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/fhbtqf/looking_for_advice_and_guidance_on_third_party/
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