Neighbor kid really really rough with his dog

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s cultural to an extent. Caucasians in America often treat dogs different than people from other cultural backgrounds. They see a higher value to the animal. Other cultures don’t value the animal in the same way, so seeing the dog be ridden on or jumped on, is not as large of an issue. What culture are the neighbors OP?

Asking as a Sri Lankan with El Salvadorian neighbors and Nigerian in laws. Each of us has a different pattern of thought about the way animals are treated.

Treating animals poorly is wrong. Period. I really don’t care what your excuse is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s cultural to an extent. Caucasians in America often treat dogs different than people from other cultural backgrounds. They see a higher value to the animal. Other cultures don’t value the animal in the same way, so seeing the dog be ridden on or jumped on, is not as large of an issue. What culture are the neighbors OP?

Asking as a Sri Lankan with El Salvadorian neighbors and Nigerian in laws. Each of us has a different pattern of thought about the way animals are treated.

If we are now going to excuse the mistreatment of animals, a call to ASPCA to remove the dog will solve that pattern of thought.

It is really ok for people to treat dogs like animals, which is what they are.

Abuse is not “treating a dog like an animal” it’s just cruelty. Causing stress and pain to any sentient being is morally repugnant. Especially with such a large power differential.

[Anonymous]

Do you all eat factory farmed meat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you all eat factory farmed meat?

I don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I wouldn’t say anything, but then I see this as a very cultural issue. In many parts of Asia, people still eat dogs. The kid is not having great empathy and understanding for the dog for sure.

You may be better off having your kid “gift” that kid a How to Train your Puppy for kids book.

Yeah we eat pigs and cows here … I would still report to someone if I saw a neighbor abusing their pig or cow. Animals being raised for food doesn’t mean other animals should have to endure abuse.

Op I would straight up just call ASPCA and ask for the local number if they won’t come. This family won’t change and their poor dog will either suffer or eventually die. Just get him removed. They know their son does this, they don’t care.

Yeah, I disagree. The ASPCA killed almost a million animals last year anyway, so it doesn’t seem like the perfect option.

Would the OP be comfortable having her kids mention something to the 6 year old about it when they are all outside together? Nothing big, just “you are hurting your dog when you play with him. He is running because he is scared.” The kid is only 6 and the Ops are older. Is the kid typical otherwise? Sometimes older kids can be teachers too. If not, maybe go outside with your kids and talk to the kid and point out the behavior that shows the dog doesn’t like it. If he still doesn’t listen, tell him you are feeling bad for the dog and will talk to his parents about it.

It takes a village and not just calling the authorities for things that are awful.

My DS said he told the boy to be gentle and that the dog didn’t like being hit or sprayed with water. He said the boy ignored him.


The kid seems like your average 6-year-old boy. Perhaps a particularly bossy and active one, but nothing that raises red flags.

He is just rough and doesn’t seem to understand how to properly interact with the dog. Parents seem normal. I’ve seen Dad and kid play outside and all seems well. Mom just seems exhausted. Baby is maybe 5 weeks old and cried A LOT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would talk to the parents. They will not like it and you will never be friends, but never mind. If you can't supervise your 6year old monster and your dog playing together you shouldn't have a dog. And I would also make a video and call animal protection if the behavior of the kid doesn't change.

I ended up talking to the Mom. She said she was unaware he was being that rough with the dog. I framed it as being really concerned the dog may bite the boy. She seemed sincere. We will see if the issue is fixed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s cultural to an extent. Caucasians in America often treat dogs different than people from other cultural backgrounds. They see a higher value to the animal. Other cultures don’t value the animal in the same way, so seeing the dog be ridden on or jumped on, is not as large of an issue. What culture are the neighbors OP?

Asking as a Sri Lankan with El Salvadorian neighbors and Nigerian in laws. Each of us has a different pattern of thought about the way animals are treated.

They are white.

As a PoC this comment rubs me the wrong way. Animal abuse isn’t ok. Are you implying it is if it comes from people of a particular racial or ethnic background? That were more likely to be abusive towards our animals? Our kids?

If you saw me hitting my kid as a Brown person would you turn a blind eye because it’s culturally more acceptable in my community? I’d hope not, for my child sake.

I know this is a tangent but I’ve seen several racial comments that aren’t sitting right with me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s cultural to an extent. Caucasians in America often treat dogs different than people from other cultural backgrounds. They see a higher value to the animal. Other cultures don’t value the animal in the same way, so seeing the dog be ridden on or jumped on, is not as large of an issue. What culture are the neighbors OP?

Asking as a Sri Lankan with El Salvadorian neighbors and Nigerian in laws. Each of us has a different pattern of thought about the way animals are treated.

They are white.

As a PoC this comment rubs me the wrong way. Animal abuse isn’t ok. Are you implying it is if it comes from people of a particular racial or ethnic background? That were more likely to be abusive towards our animals? Our kids?

If you saw me hitting my kid as a Brown person would you turn a blind eye because it’s culturally more acceptable in my community? I’d hope not, for my child sake.

I know this is a tangent but I’ve seen several racial comments that aren’t sitting right with me.

DP. This is probably not a great tangent to wander off on.