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Stranger Mistakenly Tries To Liberate Guy’s Muzzled Dog Due To Believing It’s Animal Cruelty
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Stranger Mistakenly Tries To Liberate Guy’s Muzzled Dog Due To Believing It’s Animal Cruelty

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Normally we would applaud anyone who doesn’t stay immune to what they suspect is animal abuse. With so many dogs and cats being mistreated these days, it’s only best to be safe and raise an alert before it’s too late.

But this incident suggests that even if we mean the best for an animal, it’s always a good idea to make sure your suspicions are genuinely valid. The story comes from one Redditor, Boring-Exit9303, a dog owner who had his four-legged friend ‘stolen’ in broad daylight while out in a park.

When the author realized his daughter was out of his sight, he tied the dog named Maximo Tiberio “in an area specifically designated for that purpose” and moved “no more than 15 meters away from him to search for my daughter.” But as the two were going back, a girl appeared from out of nowhere, ran towards Maximo, grabbed him and ran back to her car.

The stress was through the roof at that point, and so the owner went to the police to find his stolen dog, wondering what her motive was…

Recently, the owner of this beautiful rescue dog, Maximo Tiberio, asked people if he was right to press charges against the woman who stole his dog in a park

Image credits: Boring-Exit9303

So he shared the whole incident on r/AITA subreddit

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Image credits: Boring-Exit9303

“This is a sad story – for everyone involved,” Molly DeVoss told Bored Panda commenting on the incident. Molly is a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs Cat Behavior Solutions agency and she shared some insights on how it would be best to respond if you ever suspect an animal is being mistreated.

“It is heart wrenching to witness abuse and neglect of animals,” Molly stated and added that regardless “you shouldn’t break the law in an attempt to remedy the situation.”

“Talking to the owner is the best place to start. Explain your concerns and offer resources to help. Keep your cool; people will be more amicable to working with you towards a solution if you are not triggering defensive attitudes from them,” the feline behavior specialist explained.

“If you can’t get cooperation from the pet’s owner, there are legal avenues you can pursue; all 50 states have felony provisions against animal cruelty. Call your local animal control agency, 3-1-1 or 9-1-1 as soon as possible.”

Molly concluded that even though a dismal percentage of these cases are prosecuted and convicted, you should never break the law yourself, or put yourself in harms way to rescue the animal.

And this is what people had to comment in response to the story

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bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The owner should press charges as a sign to the girl that she just can't assume things and act upon them. This time things went reasonably well because her license plate got caught on camera. Next time when she kidnaps a baby because she thinks the mother is unfit that may not be the case. Can you imagine the stress of the parents? No, I'd say press charges and let her experience the consequences of her acts.

viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read a bit more - after months of training and some progress, the dog reverted back to its original state. The owner will now have to work with a trainer to deal with the dog's trauma.

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leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Muzzled dogs that are otherwise well-tended, and have a child around them (as in this case, the OP's 11yo daughter).... Stay out of it. Ask if you must, but don't take the dog. This is simple stuff.

maxwatson1991 avatar
Max
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A well-fitted muzzle is not cruelty, and may not even be for an aggressive dog. We've considered muzzling our (very sweet, excitable but loving) dog because she was a stupid idiot baby who put everything in her mouth. She has now mostly grown out of that behaviour.

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andrewallangird avatar
Andrew
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate that this is even a consideration. Press charges! She is a thief nothing more nothing less. If she actually cared for the dog she would have handled it the correct way.

aliquida avatar
Aliquid
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if she successfully took off the muzzle and the dog mauled the heck out of her... what would the legal proceedings be then? Would she try to sue for medical costs?

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, the dog might be euthanized in that case…although I think the authorities would take the stress of the abduction into consideration and conclude that the dog was just defending itself, not attacking. The dognapper would probably try to sue, since criminals can sue their victims for injuries received during the commission of a crime. It’s unlikely she would win…although one could argue that taking a dog with known aggression problems into a public space makes the owner at least partially liable for any injuries that dog causes, regardless of the circumstances. (I’m not saying I personally agree with that.)

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juniorcj82 avatar
JuniorCJ82
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We were visiting my brother and walking his dog in town. He used a gentle leader at the time when she was still hyper and excitable. These college age girls walked by and one said in a voice way too loud to be private, "I can't believe they'd muzzle a dog like that." I shouted over my shoulder, "It's a gentle leader, dumbass. Look it up."

kyrie24 avatar
ilikeplants
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That cat comment at the end is 100% accurate. We had a neighbor steal our cat, and the police said there was nothing they could do. The only ordinances in our city were against someone stealing a dog or a horse. Any other animal, and small claims court was the only recourse. Insane.

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously those laws haven’t been updated since 1890, when the country was lousy with horse thieves.

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cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well-intentioned would have been calling the spca to investigate, not just stealing somebody's dog.

tristanantoine avatar
All's Gravy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TWOC = THEFT. Whatever excuse she concocted. If she really had watched regularly on Mondays, why not talk to him as a first resort? No, she's been eyeing up the dog for herself. Did she take the dog straight to a vet/shelter? No! She was settleing him in. Press charges.

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the case ever comes to trial she'll get a delicate little tap on the wrist and a lecture from the judge, if charges are filed at all, as the justice system will not see this well-intentioned nitwit as a threat to society. That's not a reason to hold off filing charges, though, as the trouble and stress of being charged and having to stand trial will put her off ever committing theft "in a good cause" ever again.

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends on the area and its judges. But I agree that they probably wouldn’t see her as a threat to society. She needs education as part of her punishment — like community service at an animal shelter or vet clinic.

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asibassey avatar
Asi Bassey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you think a child is being abused, would you kidnap the child?

kellyhorrigan avatar
SocksNeverMatch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right? But DCS is a bastion ol missing, beaten, lost, murdered children. That entire deprtment needs to be examined. As well as hospitals that can take children form the parents.

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llama_flower93 avatar
Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get how she thought this was okay. She took the dog away from home against his will and traumatized him, how is that not animal cruelty?

stampfreak avatar
Suz66
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This girl has a problem with impulse control. Next time who knows what she will do,. What if it were a child, she could grab a child next. Maybe pressing charges will force her to get the help she probably needs.

douglasmock avatar
Douglas Mock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her delusions of self-aggrandizement are a danger to others, especially mothers of little children. What happens when she decides she 'needs' to take a baby or toddler? Get her into the penal system and work toward getting her some counseling and meds.

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The penal system is not known for successfully rehabilitating people. She needs education and, yes, counseling (honestly, everyone needs that), but prison really wouldn’t be helpful. Also, why do you think she needs “meds”?

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micararon avatar
Michael A.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He better press charges. She clearly had an agenda to want to take his dog for her own sake. My dog only wears his muzzle when I take him out jogging or on walks to make sure he stays by my side. Outside of that, he wears his utility harness when going to the dog park because it's easier for me to catch him with his harness on so that I can leash him up again when it's time to be heading home (he always likes to play keep away with me at the park. When he does this it's cute... but annoying sometimes lol)

joereaves avatar
Joe Reaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog used to do that (playing keep away) but he was too dumb to realise I could communicate with other human beings. So he would happily stay still for literally every other person so he could be petted (why else would people exist if not to give him pets?). So I'd just ask the first other dog owner I came to, always lots of them around, to grab his collar when he stopped for them. He never did learn.

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ivana_789_b avatar
Ivana Bogdan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He did right. She obviously stalked him for some time, also she need to learn consequences of her actions. It could be more aggressive dog and could bite her if she put off muzzle.

heatherwolmarans avatar
Heather Wolmarans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA So she stole your dog, and injured him, and can you imagine if she'd got the muzzle off, and he'd bitten her?? Press charges, fast.

betakrankusov avatar
snipergun
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he was hitting dog, clearly abusing his health or needs, there still wouldn't be legal background for this action so what she did was plain stupid or her reasoning was just an excuse to get to a dog she wanted (yes that happened, I experienced it). Please press charges, this could come up in investigation that she wanted his dog and was waiting for opportunity.

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would go ahead and prosecute and that’s because everybody has the opportunity to learn some thing about the situation they know nothing of all that woman had to do was talk to the guy find out why the dog was muzzled and if she felt he was being abusive and she could’ve called the authorities. Nobody has any right to touch anything that doesn’t belong to them

cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alternative ending: The police arrive at her house to the sound of s snarling dog rampaging through the house. The police force their way in only to be attacked by Maximo and, out of panic and self-defence, shoot him. With the unmuzzled dog dead, they search the house. Upon opening a cupboard where they hear a whimpering noise, they find the girl with half of her face missing and a deep gash in her throat. She gasps and dies. She had managed to remove the muzzle from Maximo and out of panic and the desire to go home he had tried to escape only to be blocked by her, so he took the only option he knew. Now... isn't she lucky that she didn't get his muzzle off before the police got him back. Prosecute the idiot before she gets herself or someone else hurt.

alicewiedrick avatar
Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Muzzles are for training not for abuse. (Most of the time.) And dont just go up to someones dog and take them, abuse or not! If the dog IS be in ng abused, call an animal law enforcement team. It's just common knowledge and so I sense the girl that stole the dog is lying.

lauralou avatar
Laura Lou
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I've called the police before about suspected animal cruelty, but I would never grab a stranger's pet! Especially since the man could have had a gun or something and just shot her. If this girl sees him and his dog at the park every week, all she would have had to do is take down his license plate and tell the police she thinks he's abusing his dog by making him wear a muzzle (then the police would have laughed her out...) I understand wanting to help animals but a muzzle isn't abuse.

mmelt76 avatar
Melissa TO
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would press charges so fast her head would spin! And she actually injured the dog cutting the muzzle off??? WTF?!?? Does she not know how to work a buckle? I'm thinking this girl needs some serious counseling. I would ask the judge or whoever to make her go to a therapist.

ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's too bad the dog didn't rip her face apart when she got the muzzle off. Then she would've understood the need for the muzzle. Stupid twit.

autumnwalton avatar
Autumn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, press charges. She dead absolutely no context and attempted to steal your dog. Both the girl and Maximo could have gotten seriously hurt in this situation. I hope you’re dog isn’t too traumatized.

stargal avatar
Silre
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely press charges. All she had to do was ask why the muzzle was being used.

kelly-colgan avatar
Casey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a rescue dog with aggression issues. It has become so bad that we have had to resort to muzzling him when taking him out for walks. He loses his mind and wants to attack any dog he sees. We are only doing this because we don't want to get sued or have him put down if he attacks another dog and hurts (or worse) it. I hate seeing my dog with the muzzle on but I also don't want another dog hurt or killed. You do what you got to do to keep your dog and other people safe.

lisac72 avatar
Not Proud British
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This wouldn't happen in the UK. The pressing charges bit. Because it would cost the dog owner to take the matter to court and even if found guilty, the girl would make an initial payment of say £1 and not have to pay another penny. Another option we have instead is through victim support, where you request an interview with the girl, relate just what emotional damage she caused to both you and your dog. Discussions like this with the victim are often more successful deterrents. Not sure if that's an option here?

viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She needs to to know that she traumatized the dog. Imagine if the owner not gotten back his dog... She would have taken it for a walk and it possibly would have ended up biting someone - and the bitten person could have insisted that the dog be euthanized for being aggressive. Her good intentions put the dog through hell.

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max_castillo_1422 avatar
mac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Press charges AND sue her for the emotional pain and suffering she caused you and your dog!

julija-mich avatar
B-b-bird
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pressing charged is a right thing to do, because she is mature enough (I hope) to understand that she is "kidnapping" a dog, even if it's from abuser. She should have turned to animal protective services instead if she sees a dog for many weeks every Monday. As well.. she could be a stalker who is kidnapping dogs to re-sell, there are plenty of people like this.

shellipadtx avatar
Lotus Flower
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let me get this straight. If this was a child she thought was abused, her answer is to just kidnap that child to make herself feel better? Um no. I’d sue for emotional distress and vet fees (if any) and also press charges. She’s just crazy.

eeyore163_1 avatar
Heather Menard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would be the equivalent of them stealing my child. You can't go out and steal someone's child because they think you are abusing them. I totally pressed charges.

kim_lorton avatar
Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The proper thing to do, is file a complaint and say you suspect abuse. She is wrong, and charges are not a problem. They will likely educate her on proper procure to report suspected abuse.. what she did is theft. And she freaked out Max!

rachelmagnone avatar
Rachel Magnone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm shocked and appalled at fact she STOLE your family dog; and did so in the presence of your CHILD!! Obviously she claimed to have witnessed the dog being previously muzzled meaning she premeditated actually stealing the dog instead of actually communicating with you or any authority about defining her incomprehensible belief of "abuse". I'm very curious what her plan was for the dog afterwards?? Keep him? Take him to shelter? Personally if had been my dog and done in front of my child and her actions could possibly make dogs aggression issues worse or cause additional behavior issue; I'd do everything and anything I could possibly do to make her understand her actions! I'm not talking about hearing how it was wrong from police; because hearing and knowing and accepting accountability for her actions are all different. I sincerely hope you feel justified or at peace with whatever decision you chose to make; and hope that your dog wasn't negatively affected in any way

abbysmink avatar
abby smink
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you take a dog with known aggression issues, one bad enough to require a muzzle, to a dog park anyways? He didn't deserve to have his dog stolen, but he is indeed kind of an asshole. My boy doesn't get along with other dogs, due to being attacked, and taking him to a place literally filled with dogs is the last thing I would do. (Unless it's the vet, and even then I'm super cautious.)

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Speaking as a person that worked in a groomers...we ask every owner the dogs behaviors towards being clipped and washed. If the owner indicates aggression, we let them know the dog will be muzzled. Practically all of the owners are ok with it. Some even bring their own muzzles. I once watched a standard poodle lunge at the face of one of the groomers. Heck..we've even had to call parents to come back for their pets when the dogs start doing flips and twisting on the table because it becomes unsafe for the groomers and the dogs. If a dog is wearing a muzzle, I don't question it. Choker chain on the other hand...I hate those things.

mcam108 avatar
msminnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman said she watched the dog every Monday and claimed abuse. If that was the case, she should have called a local animal agency- whose job it is to investigate abuse- and notify them when and where they could observe the "abuse". She was out of line and should have charges filed against her.

scotrutherford avatar
LivingTheDream
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just another example of a deluded bleeding heart that thinks their lifestyle or beliefs justifies imposing on others through force or intimidation.

mheidt0 avatar
Okatango
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I fully agree with your sister and would not press charges. She was trying to do the right thing, but was wrong in this case, she knows it now. Give her a chance to make amends, maybe volunteering with rescues? I personally wish more people would take the initiative to intervene when they suspect abuse rather than turning away because "it's not my animal".

cecilyholland167 avatar
Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The idiot was lucky he had a muzzle on him. Most dog owners wouldn’t use a muzzle unless there was a valid reason

v_r_tayloryahoo_com avatar
v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "personal boundaries" because she undoubtedly never had anyone teach her what it means and what they are. Even if her intentions were noble she still doesn't have any right to do what ever she wants. Unfortunately she probably wouldn't even learn anything from having charges put against her. More than likely she'll only get pissed off about the whole thing and continue seeing herself as some kind of savior.

littlesaresare avatar
littlesaresare
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with everyone about this girl being way out of line and needing consequences. But it hurts me to see so many responses about contacting authorities if you suspect animal abuse and letting them deal with it. Authorities don't give a f**k about animal abuse. You can acknowledge that the girl was wrong in this situation without deluding yourself that, had the dog actually been abused, her reporting it would have achieved anything.

kimberlybailey avatar
KimB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not entirely true some states have laws in place that makes domestic animal abuse a felony...example look up Ohio's Goddard Law.

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ioanaadriana avatar
i0ana
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

WOWWWW @ the amount of ppl here,so ready to kill her with stones! Yiikess

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

i guess she's the same kind of people who feed vegetable to her cat or dog.

stienbabe avatar
Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs do not thrive on an all meat diet. Some form of vegetable matter is necessary for their health.

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bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The owner should press charges as a sign to the girl that she just can't assume things and act upon them. This time things went reasonably well because her license plate got caught on camera. Next time when she kidnaps a baby because she thinks the mother is unfit that may not be the case. Can you imagine the stress of the parents? No, I'd say press charges and let her experience the consequences of her acts.

viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read a bit more - after months of training and some progress, the dog reverted back to its original state. The owner will now have to work with a trainer to deal with the dog's trauma.

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leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Muzzled dogs that are otherwise well-tended, and have a child around them (as in this case, the OP's 11yo daughter).... Stay out of it. Ask if you must, but don't take the dog. This is simple stuff.

maxwatson1991 avatar
Max
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A well-fitted muzzle is not cruelty, and may not even be for an aggressive dog. We've considered muzzling our (very sweet, excitable but loving) dog because she was a stupid idiot baby who put everything in her mouth. She has now mostly grown out of that behaviour.

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andrewallangird avatar
Andrew
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate that this is even a consideration. Press charges! She is a thief nothing more nothing less. If she actually cared for the dog she would have handled it the correct way.

aliquida avatar
Aliquid
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if she successfully took off the muzzle and the dog mauled the heck out of her... what would the legal proceedings be then? Would she try to sue for medical costs?

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, the dog might be euthanized in that case…although I think the authorities would take the stress of the abduction into consideration and conclude that the dog was just defending itself, not attacking. The dognapper would probably try to sue, since criminals can sue their victims for injuries received during the commission of a crime. It’s unlikely she would win…although one could argue that taking a dog with known aggression problems into a public space makes the owner at least partially liable for any injuries that dog causes, regardless of the circumstances. (I’m not saying I personally agree with that.)

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juniorcj82 avatar
JuniorCJ82
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We were visiting my brother and walking his dog in town. He used a gentle leader at the time when she was still hyper and excitable. These college age girls walked by and one said in a voice way too loud to be private, "I can't believe they'd muzzle a dog like that." I shouted over my shoulder, "It's a gentle leader, dumbass. Look it up."

kyrie24 avatar
ilikeplants
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That cat comment at the end is 100% accurate. We had a neighbor steal our cat, and the police said there was nothing they could do. The only ordinances in our city were against someone stealing a dog or a horse. Any other animal, and small claims court was the only recourse. Insane.

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously those laws haven’t been updated since 1890, when the country was lousy with horse thieves.

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cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well-intentioned would have been calling the spca to investigate, not just stealing somebody's dog.

tristanantoine avatar
All's Gravy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TWOC = THEFT. Whatever excuse she concocted. If she really had watched regularly on Mondays, why not talk to him as a first resort? No, she's been eyeing up the dog for herself. Did she take the dog straight to a vet/shelter? No! She was settleing him in. Press charges.

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the case ever comes to trial she'll get a delicate little tap on the wrist and a lecture from the judge, if charges are filed at all, as the justice system will not see this well-intentioned nitwit as a threat to society. That's not a reason to hold off filing charges, though, as the trouble and stress of being charged and having to stand trial will put her off ever committing theft "in a good cause" ever again.

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends on the area and its judges. But I agree that they probably wouldn’t see her as a threat to society. She needs education as part of her punishment — like community service at an animal shelter or vet clinic.

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asibassey avatar
Asi Bassey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you think a child is being abused, would you kidnap the child?

kellyhorrigan avatar
SocksNeverMatch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right? But DCS is a bastion ol missing, beaten, lost, murdered children. That entire deprtment needs to be examined. As well as hospitals that can take children form the parents.

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llama_flower93 avatar
Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get how she thought this was okay. She took the dog away from home against his will and traumatized him, how is that not animal cruelty?

stampfreak avatar
Suz66
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This girl has a problem with impulse control. Next time who knows what she will do,. What if it were a child, she could grab a child next. Maybe pressing charges will force her to get the help she probably needs.

douglasmock avatar
Douglas Mock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her delusions of self-aggrandizement are a danger to others, especially mothers of little children. What happens when she decides she 'needs' to take a baby or toddler? Get her into the penal system and work toward getting her some counseling and meds.

kudzu-mermaid avatar
Whitney Gal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The penal system is not known for successfully rehabilitating people. She needs education and, yes, counseling (honestly, everyone needs that), but prison really wouldn’t be helpful. Also, why do you think she needs “meds”?

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micararon avatar
Michael A.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He better press charges. She clearly had an agenda to want to take his dog for her own sake. My dog only wears his muzzle when I take him out jogging or on walks to make sure he stays by my side. Outside of that, he wears his utility harness when going to the dog park because it's easier for me to catch him with his harness on so that I can leash him up again when it's time to be heading home (he always likes to play keep away with me at the park. When he does this it's cute... but annoying sometimes lol)

joereaves avatar
Joe Reaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog used to do that (playing keep away) but he was too dumb to realise I could communicate with other human beings. So he would happily stay still for literally every other person so he could be petted (why else would people exist if not to give him pets?). So I'd just ask the first other dog owner I came to, always lots of them around, to grab his collar when he stopped for them. He never did learn.

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Ivana Bogdan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He did right. She obviously stalked him for some time, also she need to learn consequences of her actions. It could be more aggressive dog and could bite her if she put off muzzle.

heatherwolmarans avatar
Heather Wolmarans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA So she stole your dog, and injured him, and can you imagine if she'd got the muzzle off, and he'd bitten her?? Press charges, fast.

betakrankusov avatar
snipergun
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he was hitting dog, clearly abusing his health or needs, there still wouldn't be legal background for this action so what she did was plain stupid or her reasoning was just an excuse to get to a dog she wanted (yes that happened, I experienced it). Please press charges, this could come up in investigation that she wanted his dog and was waiting for opportunity.

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would go ahead and prosecute and that’s because everybody has the opportunity to learn some thing about the situation they know nothing of all that woman had to do was talk to the guy find out why the dog was muzzled and if she felt he was being abusive and she could’ve called the authorities. Nobody has any right to touch anything that doesn’t belong to them

cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alternative ending: The police arrive at her house to the sound of s snarling dog rampaging through the house. The police force their way in only to be attacked by Maximo and, out of panic and self-defence, shoot him. With the unmuzzled dog dead, they search the house. Upon opening a cupboard where they hear a whimpering noise, they find the girl with half of her face missing and a deep gash in her throat. She gasps and dies. She had managed to remove the muzzle from Maximo and out of panic and the desire to go home he had tried to escape only to be blocked by her, so he took the only option he knew. Now... isn't she lucky that she didn't get his muzzle off before the police got him back. Prosecute the idiot before she gets herself or someone else hurt.

alicewiedrick avatar
Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Muzzles are for training not for abuse. (Most of the time.) And dont just go up to someones dog and take them, abuse or not! If the dog IS be in ng abused, call an animal law enforcement team. It's just common knowledge and so I sense the girl that stole the dog is lying.

lauralou avatar
Laura Lou
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I've called the police before about suspected animal cruelty, but I would never grab a stranger's pet! Especially since the man could have had a gun or something and just shot her. If this girl sees him and his dog at the park every week, all she would have had to do is take down his license plate and tell the police she thinks he's abusing his dog by making him wear a muzzle (then the police would have laughed her out...) I understand wanting to help animals but a muzzle isn't abuse.

mmelt76 avatar
Melissa TO
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would press charges so fast her head would spin! And she actually injured the dog cutting the muzzle off??? WTF?!?? Does she not know how to work a buckle? I'm thinking this girl needs some serious counseling. I would ask the judge or whoever to make her go to a therapist.

ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's too bad the dog didn't rip her face apart when she got the muzzle off. Then she would've understood the need for the muzzle. Stupid twit.

autumnwalton avatar
Autumn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, press charges. She dead absolutely no context and attempted to steal your dog. Both the girl and Maximo could have gotten seriously hurt in this situation. I hope you’re dog isn’t too traumatized.

stargal avatar
Silre
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely press charges. All she had to do was ask why the muzzle was being used.

kelly-colgan avatar
Casey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a rescue dog with aggression issues. It has become so bad that we have had to resort to muzzling him when taking him out for walks. He loses his mind and wants to attack any dog he sees. We are only doing this because we don't want to get sued or have him put down if he attacks another dog and hurts (or worse) it. I hate seeing my dog with the muzzle on but I also don't want another dog hurt or killed. You do what you got to do to keep your dog and other people safe.

lisac72 avatar
Not Proud British
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This wouldn't happen in the UK. The pressing charges bit. Because it would cost the dog owner to take the matter to court and even if found guilty, the girl would make an initial payment of say £1 and not have to pay another penny. Another option we have instead is through victim support, where you request an interview with the girl, relate just what emotional damage she caused to both you and your dog. Discussions like this with the victim are often more successful deterrents. Not sure if that's an option here?

viviane_katz avatar
Viviane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She needs to to know that she traumatized the dog. Imagine if the owner not gotten back his dog... She would have taken it for a walk and it possibly would have ended up biting someone - and the bitten person could have insisted that the dog be euthanized for being aggressive. Her good intentions put the dog through hell.

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mac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Press charges AND sue her for the emotional pain and suffering she caused you and your dog!

julija-mich avatar
B-b-bird
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pressing charged is a right thing to do, because she is mature enough (I hope) to understand that she is "kidnapping" a dog, even if it's from abuser. She should have turned to animal protective services instead if she sees a dog for many weeks every Monday. As well.. she could be a stalker who is kidnapping dogs to re-sell, there are plenty of people like this.

shellipadtx avatar
Lotus Flower
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let me get this straight. If this was a child she thought was abused, her answer is to just kidnap that child to make herself feel better? Um no. I’d sue for emotional distress and vet fees (if any) and also press charges. She’s just crazy.

eeyore163_1 avatar
Heather Menard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would be the equivalent of them stealing my child. You can't go out and steal someone's child because they think you are abusing them. I totally pressed charges.

kim_lorton avatar
Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The proper thing to do, is file a complaint and say you suspect abuse. She is wrong, and charges are not a problem. They will likely educate her on proper procure to report suspected abuse.. what she did is theft. And she freaked out Max!

rachelmagnone avatar
Rachel Magnone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm shocked and appalled at fact she STOLE your family dog; and did so in the presence of your CHILD!! Obviously she claimed to have witnessed the dog being previously muzzled meaning she premeditated actually stealing the dog instead of actually communicating with you or any authority about defining her incomprehensible belief of "abuse". I'm very curious what her plan was for the dog afterwards?? Keep him? Take him to shelter? Personally if had been my dog and done in front of my child and her actions could possibly make dogs aggression issues worse or cause additional behavior issue; I'd do everything and anything I could possibly do to make her understand her actions! I'm not talking about hearing how it was wrong from police; because hearing and knowing and accepting accountability for her actions are all different. I sincerely hope you feel justified or at peace with whatever decision you chose to make; and hope that your dog wasn't negatively affected in any way

abbysmink avatar
abby smink
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you take a dog with known aggression issues, one bad enough to require a muzzle, to a dog park anyways? He didn't deserve to have his dog stolen, but he is indeed kind of an asshole. My boy doesn't get along with other dogs, due to being attacked, and taking him to a place literally filled with dogs is the last thing I would do. (Unless it's the vet, and even then I'm super cautious.)

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Speaking as a person that worked in a groomers...we ask every owner the dogs behaviors towards being clipped and washed. If the owner indicates aggression, we let them know the dog will be muzzled. Practically all of the owners are ok with it. Some even bring their own muzzles. I once watched a standard poodle lunge at the face of one of the groomers. Heck..we've even had to call parents to come back for their pets when the dogs start doing flips and twisting on the table because it becomes unsafe for the groomers and the dogs. If a dog is wearing a muzzle, I don't question it. Choker chain on the other hand...I hate those things.

mcam108 avatar
msminnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman said she watched the dog every Monday and claimed abuse. If that was the case, she should have called a local animal agency- whose job it is to investigate abuse- and notify them when and where they could observe the "abuse". She was out of line and should have charges filed against her.

scotrutherford avatar
LivingTheDream
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just another example of a deluded bleeding heart that thinks their lifestyle or beliefs justifies imposing on others through force or intimidation.

mheidt0 avatar
Okatango
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I fully agree with your sister and would not press charges. She was trying to do the right thing, but was wrong in this case, she knows it now. Give her a chance to make amends, maybe volunteering with rescues? I personally wish more people would take the initiative to intervene when they suspect abuse rather than turning away because "it's not my animal".

cecilyholland167 avatar
Cecily Holland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The idiot was lucky he had a muzzle on him. Most dog owners wouldn’t use a muzzle unless there was a valid reason

v_r_tayloryahoo_com avatar
v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "personal boundaries" because she undoubtedly never had anyone teach her what it means and what they are. Even if her intentions were noble she still doesn't have any right to do what ever she wants. Unfortunately she probably wouldn't even learn anything from having charges put against her. More than likely she'll only get pissed off about the whole thing and continue seeing herself as some kind of savior.

littlesaresare avatar
littlesaresare
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with everyone about this girl being way out of line and needing consequences. But it hurts me to see so many responses about contacting authorities if you suspect animal abuse and letting them deal with it. Authorities don't give a f**k about animal abuse. You can acknowledge that the girl was wrong in this situation without deluding yourself that, had the dog actually been abused, her reporting it would have achieved anything.

kimberlybailey avatar
KimB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not entirely true some states have laws in place that makes domestic animal abuse a felony...example look up Ohio's Goddard Law.

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ioanaadriana avatar
i0ana
Community Member
2 years ago

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WOWWWW @ the amount of ppl here,so ready to kill her with stones! Yiikess

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago

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i guess she's the same kind of people who feed vegetable to her cat or dog.

stienbabe avatar
Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs do not thrive on an all meat diet. Some form of vegetable matter is necessary for their health.

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