Should I get involved?

EVA116

We moved into our house about 2 years ago. Our front porch looks into a neighbors back yard. I don't know the people very well but I do know they have a son. The dad screams at the son all the time. He is cruel. The poor boy looks so sad all the time.

The other day I was out on my front porch and I saw the dad kick their dog. I mean really kick him and then he looked up and saw me and dragged the dog away.

Should I give him a piece of my mind? Stay out of it? Call the cops?

angelashly

I would call the non emergency line and see what they think

umma4babes

I would not, but will probably call non emergency line to at least make a report. I think confronting the dad would be unsafe for your family. You never know what someone is capable of. Judging from what you've described, I do not think he is capable of taking criticism. Second of all, he may just hide abuse better, which would be worse for the dog or his son (if he does something more than screaming).

EVA116

Thanks guys. I think I will do that. Our neighborhood is great and everyone has been there forever. I don't want to cause a huge uproar but this is ridiculous. I see it because our house faces right at their back yard.

EVA116

CeeBug said:

That sounds like a rough situation. How old is the son?

He looks about 10 or 11.

sleepy33

That is scary. I'm not sure what I'd do. Part of me would want to at least find some way to talk to the boy and let him know if he ever needs help or someone to talk to, that he can talk to you. Gah. I'm getting a lot of feels about this now.

EVA116

What sucks is that sometimes I see the boy being a bully and I know it is because of shitass dad.

EVA116

CeeBug said:

It always makes me nervous when I hear about a person acting cruel in a public (or almost public) place. If they have the audacity to kick the dog outside, then what does he do when no one is around?

The mom yells too. I can hear her yelling at the boy from the house. Stuff like "Are you a fucking idiot."

EVA116

Our neighborhood is so nice and I am sure others have witness this. I think I will talk to my next door neighbor and see what she thinks. She has been here a while and we somewhat of friends.

TheRunningGinger

I would definitely at least file a complaint with animal services. For the boy, I'd call the non emergency line like others have suggested and see what they say. Maybe if you tell them about the animal abuse they might at least have someone go check out the house and living situation? I don't know. That's a really sad situation for everyone.

bensmommy518

No real advice for the dog but the idea of calling the non-emergency line or animal control for that is a good one.

Regarding the son, I have said this before but I will say it again.  If you  have any suspicion or concern about abuse, call CYS and file a report.  you can make it anonymous.  Let CYS decide whether or not what you are reporting is enough to warrant an investigation.  The role of CYS is to INVESTIGATE and determine if abuse is occurring.  Your role is simply to REPORT what you have observed. 

Unknown

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msdrdg

CTGirl30 said:

Uggghhhh.

It doesn't matter that the overall neighborhood is nice. What you are witnessing is ugly, and quite frankly it is abuse - physical to the dog and verbal to the little boy. 

I'd get on the phone to (a) CPS and make a report of your concerns and what you have personally overheard and witnessed; and (b) the police non-emergency line. They will probably direct you to Animal Control or your local Humane Society. The Animal Control Officers should be able to take a statement at least....

Such a sad situation.  I think CT is correct.  Call CPS.  Even if they do nothing now, they will have it on record if anything happens in the future.  :-(

BootsOrHearts

If he kicks the dog, it's a good bet there is physical abuse of the boy and/or wife going on too. All you can do is report it and discretely try to keep an eye on things, ask neighbors to do the same. 

So sad. 

EVA116

Darbie914 said:

I agree with everything PPs have already stated.  Do you think if animal control makes a visit, the dad will suspect that you reported it?  Either way, I do agree that a call needs to be made.  Just please be extra careful around this guy.  

I think he might. He looked right at me after he kicked the dog. I am sure he saw my facial espression of anger and disbelief.

NotSharknado

I worry too he may target you.

ally2011

bensmommy518 said:

No real advice for the dog but the idea of calling the non-emergency line or animal control for that is a good one.

Regarding the son, I have said this before but I will say it again.  If you  have any suspicion or concern about abuse, call CYS and file a report.  you can make it anonymous.  Let CYS decide whether or not what you are reporting is enough to warrant an investigation.  The role of CYS is to INVESTIGATE and determine if abuse is occurring.  Your role is simply to REPORT what you have observed. 

I am licensed foster mom. Please, please file a report with CPS. It can be anonymous as others have said. Children have no voice, they need adults do do what's right even when it is hard. Thank you for caring about him!

ally2011

EVA116 said:

Darbie914 said:

I agree with everything PPs have already stated.  Do you think if animal control makes a visit, the dad will suspect that you reported it?  Either way, I do agree that a call needs to be made.  Just please be extra careful around this guy.  

I think he might. He looked right at me after he kicked the dog. I am sure he saw my facial espression of anger and disbelief.

Honestly I would not worry about that. Someone like this is bound to have done something questionable in front of other people. He will have no idea. The boy needs you, please call. Hell, pm me their address and I'll do it.