Should I report my neighbours to RSPCA or not?

Biker*Chick

My DH pointed out to me the conditions our new neighbours appear to be keeping their cats and I am getting increasingly concerned for their welfare.

I am on the verge of reporting to the RSPCA, but want to take the time to garner some other viewpoints from here if I may

Background info: new neighbours moved in a few weeks back. It was a rocky start to our 'relationship' as within a couple of days of moving in they'd asked to fix a barrier at the back of our houses (between their end wall and ours) to allow their dogs to use essentially as a toilet (they have a Boxer and 2 smaller dogs). In the pic I'll include below, you'll see the narrow passage they wanted the dogs to be let loose in, and our boundary runs exactly to where the exit door of their porch is. Anyway, long story short, we said no and they got the hump slightly.

Fast-forward another 3-4 weeks, and the issue with the cats has come up now. We started noticing about a week ago a beautiful white cat perching atop a metal stairgate (propped up at one end of the neighbour's porch which is attached to the rear of their property) with at least 1 or 2 more sleeping in a lined cardboard box. The perching cat and other 1/2 have been there for prolonged periods during the day it seems (possibly their only respite is during night-time when I couldn't see them in there). Bearing in mind, there doesn't seem to be any source of hearing, and temps must be under 5 degrees today (it's actually snow/sleeting ATM) it can't be considered a suitable environment surely?

They do look well cared for and seem to have plenty of food, but what life is it being stuck in such a small space with no chance of exercise for hours on end, nor any love and attention during those periods? I suppose you could argue it's similar to cats in a cattery though which is where my dilemma is....


My question is - do I give them the benefit of doubt and just approach the neighbours to see if it's a temporary arrangement due to them not having any other option (given our already slightly rocky relationship that could be slightly tricky but not impossible) or simply report it to the RSPCA and let them deal with it as they see fit? The thought of taking no action at all is very problematic for me

Any advice fellow animal lovers?

I think the porch area must be approx 2-3 feet x approx 6 feet.

[ETA - photos removed as no longer required]

Biker*Chick

I've just had a good read through the Neighbour's Dog thread as I'm sure someone will probably point me in its direction :cool:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5746970

Similar dilemma although you could argue the dog is/was worse off than the cats I'm concerned about.

We have 3 cats, so I think I am naturally more sensitive to issues affecting cats

I think I know the answer if I do contact RSPCA - they won't do anything

Therefore my only option is to try and have a 'friendly' chat with the neighbours the next time I see them and try to suss out the actual situation. I appreciate it is easy to jump to conclusions :(

Sorry if this was a pointless thread with me just answering my own dilemma but I just really needed to sound-off and try to consider the issue from a totally subjective position :cool:

jackyann

I haven't had to do this in years, but it used to be quite easy to contact the RSPCA and have an anonymous chat.
There is of course, a gap between what we would wish for animals, and what should be considered neglect or cruelty, and I suspect this falls into the that gap. However, if you speak to the RSPCA, you don't need to give the detail, either of the rocky start, or exact layout - simply explain the lack of heating and confined space. They will have a list of questions to ask you, and I think that may give you a good idea of how to proceed.

starting_again_in_the_sun

You're right that the RSPCA won't do anything.

Tbh, I think you are worrying yourself unnecessarily, you say the cats are healthy and have access to food/ water so they are being cared for.

If they are let out at night they probably get exercise then; our cat spends the majority of the day sleeping, I think it's normal.

I can understand your worry about the temperature, but I expect there are cats outside by choice in the same weather.

I'm not sure it's a good idea to photograph your neighbours' property, especially given your rocky relationship.

If you have cats too, it would be easy to bring it up in conservation. I wonder if the cats don't like being bothered by the dogs!?

Pyxis

Hi, B*C!

Firstly, how long have the cats been there?

If you haven't noticed them before, it might even be that they are looking after them for a relative, for whatever reason, and as starting-again said, it might be a question of temporarily separating them from the dogs.

Also, it might be that the cats are old, and don't want to do much.

I feed a neighbour's cat a lot, and he is almost always in his 'box' when I go in twice a day. He's old.

If there's more than one, then they are company for each other.

They have fur, and are indoors, so are probably ok while temperatures remain above zero.


I would just monitor the situation, and as was suggested, maybe say in passing 'what a lovely white cat, is he yours?' Or similar, if you see them, then mention yours! Start up a cat chat!

It might also break the ice for getting back onto better terms, there's nothing worse than frostiness between neighbour's, as I know too well ...(had one that took agin me for no logical reason and it was horrid! They moved eventually! )



As was also suggested, if you really are worried, you could have a quick chat with the RSPCA just to ask their opinion, without giving the address.
Unless you are really, really sure there is abuse going on, I wouldn't report it officially, as if you are wrong, it would make relations with them very bad I reckon. :A

elsien

I'm also wondering if it's a temporary arrangement - isn't not letting cats out for a few weeks when you move house a standard thing to do?
(Not being a cat person I have no idea how long you need to do this for.)

Biker*Chick

Thanks jackyann, starting_again_in_the_sun, Pyxis and elsien for taking the time to reply :A

As I said, I just needed to canvas other opinions for objectivity's sake which is why I sought out the MSE Pets forum before doing anything else :beer:

I know the cats are their own because they told my DH when they moved in that they had 3 cats and 3 dogs. Quite a handful to house in a small terraced house along with 2 adults and 2 children :eek:

Thanks for rationalising the situation Pyx Yes, I'll attempt that 'cat chat' the next time I bump into the neighbours