SumpinSpecial
Member
This has been driving me batty for a while, so I finally have to talk about it and maybe get some tips from you guys on what I can do about it. My in-laws (mother in law, brother in law and his daughter) live in a different county from me, but in the same state. We visit every few months. They love animals but tend to be neglectful. The brother in law brings dogs home and they usually end up being taken care of by my mother in law, who is a kind and sensible person. He also brings home cats for his daughter, and a year or two ago he bought her a rabbit. My mother in law is in her mid-90's now and can't handle taking care of all these animals so they need to step up and be more responsible. My rant is all about them, and excludes her.
They currently have one dog. He does get a modicum of care, not up to my standards, but reasonable so I don't say anything to them about him. He lives in the house and is regularly fed and watered. We did have to nag them to get him castrated, though. They can't afford vet care for any of the animals. They also feed and water the cats regularly but let them roam outdoors. The daughter is now in high school, so old enough to take proper care of pets but busy with socializing and school work. So you guys get the picture, right? Here's the bad part that really, really bothers me.
The rabbit lives in a travel cage in the carport. It twists my heart every time we visit and I see that poor thing. I was just looking a local rabbit rescue organizations and they all say not to report neglect cases to them because they have limited resources (which I understand). I'm not even sure the rabbit could be rehabilitated suitable for a better home at this point, he's been in "solitary confinement" for so long. But what can I do? Besides trying to ask the daughter to take better care of him, is there anything I can do to help the poor guy? (My husband won't let me get any more pets than we already have.)
They currently have one dog. He does get a modicum of care, not up to my standards, but reasonable so I don't say anything to them about him. He lives in the house and is regularly fed and watered. We did have to nag them to get him castrated, though. They can't afford vet care for any of the animals. They also feed and water the cats regularly but let them roam outdoors. The daughter is now in high school, so old enough to take proper care of pets but busy with socializing and school work. So you guys get the picture, right? Here's the bad part that really, really bothers me.
The rabbit lives in a travel cage in the carport. It twists my heart every time we visit and I see that poor thing. I was just looking a local rabbit rescue organizations and they all say not to report neglect cases to them because they have limited resources (which I understand). I'm not even sure the rabbit could be rehabilitated suitable for a better home at this point, he's been in "solitary confinement" for so long. But what can I do? Besides trying to ask the daughter to take better care of him, is there anything I can do to help the poor guy? (My husband won't let me get any more pets than we already have.)
