It seems owners of disruptive pets are usually unaware of the disharmony caused by their animals. And dogs must top this list of the most troublesome species. The most common canine problem seems to be incessant barking at night and keeping the neighbourhood awake. Coming in a close second has to be incessant barking during the day while owners are work which is just as unsettling, especially for shift workers or those studying or working from home. Dogs also cause life threatening hazards by running onto public roads, for whatever reason, and biting innocent people there, attacking other dogs and causing vehicle accidents.

Cats must be next on the disruptive pets index. Being free spirits, they cannot be kept on their own properties and have a wide home range, upsetting folks for miles around. Cats are usually the silent enemy which kill wild and exotic birds, toilet in neighbours’ flowerbeds and break into other cat’s houses, causing mayhem. And when they choose to be vocal, they are able to raise the dead with their disturbing and ear piercing caterwauling!

Then there are the animal hoarders who keep more pets than they are able to care for. These well meaning folk are often unaware of the poor hygiene, health hazard and stench they cause by in their inability to care for their ‘rescued’ pets, which can number into the hundreds! These individuals actually suffer from a psychological condition, stemming from an obsessive fear of death; hence them trying to save every animal they come across. In a recent case, dozens of dead cats were found in plastic bags, hanging from trees, for want of better disposal arrangements.

If you think your pet may be making someone else’s life a misery, there is always help available. And to all those in denial … remember what goes around, comes around!

Question:

The man renting next door has 6 big dogs and never picks up their poop - his yard is one big land mine! I’ve asked him to please do the honourable thing but he goes deaf. The flies, the stink and the unsanitary conditions are making us physically sick. Any suggestions?

Yes I have…
For your wellbeing, contact your local Health Department.
For the six dog’s wellbeing, contact your local SPCA.
For your neighbour’s removal, contact his land lord.

Question:

We are having a battle with our neighbours about their barking dogs. The minute their backs are turned, the two Maltese strike up the orchestra and don’t let up until their owners return home. These dogs are very disruptive, it is driving us insane and we’ve actually had murderous thoughts!
Is there anything humane that can be done to stop these devils yapping? I heard there are calming pills or an operation to cut out their bark. Is this true?

Unfortunately drugs or removing vocal chords is treating the symptom, in the same way as covering a festering wound with a bandaid.
*Yes, there is an operation to severe the dog’s vocal chords which is considered unethical by many vets.
*Yes, there are drugs on the market which are often prescribed as a quick fix because they really don’t stop barking dogs, from barking!
The only real solution is behaviour modification which can be 100% successful if carried out by an experienced consultant. Kindly contact me for further information.

Question:

We have a beautiful little, female tabby called Tinkabelle who we just adore. However the other evening we went out for a birthday dinner and when we got back at about midnight, I just couldn’t believe my eyes. It looked like a bomb had exploded in the lounge. My lovely lacey curtains were ripped to shreds, there was cat pooh, wee and blood all over my furniture and the worst part was Tinx was nowhere to be found. Eventually I discovered her, squeezed under the dresser, shaking with fright.
I have a cat flap for her to get in and out but it’s certainly not large enough for a human to fit through. I have my suspicions but what do you think happened?

This is a call for CSI!(Cat Scene Investigation) Without my forensic team, I will be guessing but I’ll bet my DNA that a marauding TOM was on the prowl in search of a square MEAL. He probably forced his way in through the flap and terrified the lady of the house who must have resisted his advances and fought for her life, finally escaping his clutches by taking cover under the dresser. Samples of blood-spatter and body fluids would prove this conclusively.
In the mean time, when next you leave Tinx on her own, close the windows, baton down the cat-flap and enjoy yourself knowing your home will be impervious to cat burglars!