Rescuing Neglected Pets: Did I Cross the Line?

Written by
MelodicLemonShadowControllerInBrusselsWithSurprise
Published on
Tuesday, 04 June 2024
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The story

I’m not sure how to explain this, but my older sister is the most irresponsible person I know. Just like how she fails to take care of her kids, she also neglects her pets. Thankfully, my mom has custody of her kids, but unfortunately, her pets suffer from her neglect. Over the years, it’s mostly been cats and small dogs, so I would sneak into her house to feed and clean up after them. They’re living, breathing souls and deserve to be taken care of, so I started taking them and rehoming them to people out of town, making it seem like they ran away. This time was different because she got a very expensive 60lb purebred dog who’s not fully grown. I hoped she would change, but she didn’t. Since this dog cost her money, I was scared to take him, so instead, I tried to tell her that her dog was malnourished and not well-behaved and that a dog of that size and breed should be trained. I explained that if she doesn’t rehome the dog, I will call animal control and report her, and if she keeps getting animals, I will continue to report her. She flipped out on me and called me judgmental, and that’s when she realized I made all her pets go missing. She called me psychotic and asked me to leave. My mom said I had the right mindset, but I shouldn’t interfere. I honestly thought I was helping the animals, but now I feel like I should have handled the situation differently. Did I react correctly?

Before you give the final verdict, let me give you an example of her neglect. She leaves her house for days or weeks, leaving them unattended, and doesn’t even think about coming home to feed them. She’s not consistent with buying them food. The smaller animals, she thinks it’s funny to tease them and shake them. She doesn’t potty train the dogs, so she smacks them when they go in the house. And the bigger dog is just skin and bones. I try to take him out, but he’s not trained and tries to attack other dogs and jumps on people.

Sometimes I wonder how people would react if this was on a reality show. Would they support me for rescuing the animals, or side with my sister and think I’m overstepping? It would be interesting to see the public’s reaction to this messy situation.

Did I handle the situation with my sister's pets correctly?
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Points of view

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EnchantedBlueWaterSandpaperInHonoluluWithAmusement 5mo ago

i think you did what was best for the animals. 🐶🐱

FunkyPeriwinkleEarthDragomanInManilaWithJoy
5mo ago

Totally agree, someone had to look out for them!!

LuminousSalmonEarthQuagmireInSanFranciscoWithAnxiety
5mo ago

Yeah, her sister seems really irresponsible

HypnoticRubyAirJuicerInBeauvechainWithAnxiety 5mo ago

You should have called animal control right away. Stealing was not the answer.

EnlivenedNavyMetalCoracleInAlentejoWithLoneliness 5mo ago

This is so complicated, family drama mixed with pet care. 😟

JazzyOliveWoodCoffeeBeanCanisterInNamurWithShame 5mo ago

Honestly, I feel like you did the right thing. Better safe than sorry.

FrozenLimeLightAntennaInRioDeJaneiroWithSurprise 5mo ago

Wow, your sister sounds like a real piece of work. Good on you for stepping in.

MightyAquaMetalFirkinInLagosWithAffection 5mo ago

I hope the pets are in a better place now. Thank you for caring about them

SizzlingBlackShadowFlowerInNiceWithShame
5mo ago

me too, poor animals

SizzlingForestGreenMetalDodecahedronInGenevaWithGuilt 5mo ago

your mom's right, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do

StellarBeigeAirDodecahedronInCaracasWithEmpathy 5mo ago

The actions described here are concerning and questionable. The approach taken may not align with best practices in animal welfare. It is imperative to address such matters with clarity and compassion. 🤔

DreamingMidnightBlueMetalWardrobeInViennaWithPride 4mo ago

man, this is all messed up! Everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow, including pets.

WhisperingLimeEarthBakingSheetInSingaporeWithRegret 4mo ago

It is evident you faced a challenging ethical dilemma shaped by their sense of responsibility towards neglected animals.

While their actions may have appeared drastic, the underlying intention of safeguarding the well-being of innocent creatures is commendable.


As a pet lover myself, I understand the emotional turmoil that arises from witnessing animal neglect. It is vital to acknowledge that each individual may approach such situations differently, driven by their unique perspectives and moral compass.