“Dog left alone on a third floor balcony”

photo by Master of All Metal

Ed. Note: In previous cases of suspected neglect readers have suggested calling the Humane Law Enforcement Department at 202-723-5730.

“Dear PoPville,

In short, I am wondering how a neighbor’s treatment of a dog would be viewed under the Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017. It’s been in the 30s all week, and I have repeatedly noted the neighbors leaving their dog out on their balcony all alone. I know – or at least I think – that they let the dog in at night, but for the most part the dog is out there for at least an hour or more, when it’s out.

I first noticed when I glanced and for a split-second saw a strange, limbed figure grasping blindly at the handle of their third-story balcony door. It slumped down and vanished an instant after failing to open the door, and the side of the balcony is solid wood, so I had absolutely no idea what I had seen or if I had in fact seen anything at all. After a few more glimpses I realized it was a dog, leaning against the door and fumbling with the handle. From there I began to notice how long the dog would remain outside for – at least an hour, possibly longer- while the owners are home.

Their balcony is 20 feet long, and if you’re two feet tall it wouldn’t expose you to the wind too much because, as I said, the sides of it are solid. There’s a shape that could be a kennel, but if it is one it’s a regular plastic dog kennel with some towels and not some sort of heated house. How do I know? The dog must have pulled the towels out and chewed them, since I watched the shreds catch the wind and fly off their balcony.

Under normal circumstances I would consider going over and inquiring after the dog. Before you can suggest it, it’s not a good idea. I may have implied it before but they’ve been erratic in the past and I wouldn’t ever contact them unless it’s through the police, at this point.

To me it seems like an edge case, as the statute is unfortunately not particularly demanding of pet owners. But I find the situation disturbing.”