Yes, we are well aware that New York City is one with a sad amount of “people neglect” that is both officially sanctioned and unofficial. Yet stories about neglect of animals always particularly depress us. Here’s one that comes to the community’s attention via our friends at Park Slope Parents. It concerns a dog on 11th Street in the Slope. Here’s the original email:

I am a big dog lover and noticed a dog living in the backyard of an abandoned house here in Park Slope on 11th Street …The dog seemed very friendly and thin. I could not get through to touch the dog as the fence is very high and the house is locked and abandoned.

I called ASPCA and they went over to look and called to tell me that they investigated the case and the dog does have owners but they do not live there, and just come by to supposedly feed him (the backyard is very neglected, no sign of shelter, food or water). They did say that are requiring them to build him a kennel/ shelter and will follow up in a week or so to see that has been done. They also said that there is no law saying the dog can not live outdoors, but this dog is living alone in the cold�! I am deeply saddened by this situation and find it hard to know that it is down the street from me. I think this dog will not survive the winter living in the cold outdoors. Does anyone know of anything that can be done besides what I have done?

So, here’s a bit more detail on the 11th St. dog story:

I live on that block of 11th street and happened to be walking by the other day when the ASPCA cops were knocking on the door of the house that you mentioned. The house does look abandoned but a single man lives there by himself. I was actually surprised that he was being investigated for abuse because the guy seems to love his dog. I think he works during the day and maybe that’s why he leaves the dog outside, he probably can’t afford a dog walker. I saw him today and talked to him about the ASPCA knocking on his door the other day. He said that he has to build a dog house, which he had 90% built. He also said that they were coming to take a picture of the dog. The dog does look thin but always seems happy when I see him out with his owner.

(Please note: the dog pictured here is just a cute and sad looking pup, not the one at issue in the story.)