Hey all,

This is my first post. I have two GSD and follow the discussion board closely. But now I need some advised on a mature male pittbull that showed up on my doorstep. He seems very nice, but I have small children and don't want to let my kids go out to play with him around. Any ideas? I called animal control and they are too busy to come out at this time.

Too busy as in they can't come out today at all?

They were too busy yesterday, please call us tomorrow and they are again too busy today please call us tomorrow.

Animal control is too busy?! I'd call them back and ask them if they can send a police cruiser to come and get the dog-where I live the police and the ACO's work hand in hand to find/rescue strays, etc.
Or you could take the dog yourself. But with little kids and a strange dog that you have no idea what it's behaviour is for certain, that might not be the best idea.

Do you have any way to contain the dog safely (not putting yourself or your children at risk) until you can get someone (ACO or PO) to come and get the dog (garage, crate, etc.)?

I have 2 different neighbors that have dogs and they get out and I just get out my martingale lead and take them back to their homes, but I know these dogs.

If I was in your position I would definitely call animal control and see what they could do as far as getting someone to come out and pick up the dog. I would probably take the dog into the shelter myself if they say they're "too busy" and I'd let the ACO's know that I was going to be doing this-more often than not, they would rather take care of it themselves than risk the safety of the public, might make them decide that they need to stop by and get the dog.

Cindy, has the dog acted aggressively?

I'd get the complete name of the person that you spoke to in Animal Control and then call City Hall or your County Supervisor and loudly complain, these people are public servants and work for *you*.
Mentioning that you fear for your children's safety Cindy, usually gets a rapid response.

 Quote: Cindy Keator

They were too busy yesterday, please call us tomorrow and they are again too busy today please call us tomorrow.

Flat out tell them that they need to get someone there TODAY to pick up this dog, because there's no possible way that you can bring the dog in. Tell them to send a police cruiser out to get the dog.

Keep calling them until they send someone.

The dog seems very friendly. But I just don't know it background therfore what would happen if my child played alittle rough around it near it therefore why I don't want then near it. I did call the police they inturn told me to call animal control but to wait till tomorrow they were busy. I will call again and stress my fear and not take no for an answer. I'll keep you informed. Thanks.

I just got off the phone this is my fourth phone call and they said they will try to get someone out there to pick him up today. They will keep me informed. If the dog is not gone by the time we get home tonight I will start calling people at home, and make much more noises.

Have you tried posting signs for "is this your dog?" in your neighborhood? While you are waiting for animal control, maybe the owner could do something?
Then your kids could be involved, but NOT playing.

DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS GO OUT AND PLAY UNTIL THIS DOG IS PICKED UP. STRAY DOGS ARE DANGEROUS AND STRAY PITS CAN BE DANGEROUS X 10. DOGS CAN VIEW CHILDREN AS PREY. THEY ARE OF THE SAME EYE LEVEL AND IF YOU WATCH THE WAY KIDS MOVE WHEN THEY PLAY IT TRIGGERS A DOGS PRAY DRIVE. EVEN IF THE DOG JUST COMES RUNNING TO PLAY IT WILL SCARE THE KIDS AND ONCE THEY RUN THEY BECOME PREY. BAD SITUATION.