totally shocking to me

[Bear Foot Farm]

Unless you know for a fact this puppy is suffering in some way, now would be a good time to mind your own affairs.

Good answer​

 

[punk-a-doodle]

And there are some that believe a dog spending the majority of their time indoors and/or tied up is basically the same thing and that they should be on a containment system outdoors that allows some freedom of movement and a more natural environment and habitat.

If they had two dogs confined in the garage, I doubt this is the case in this situation. I completely understand the OP's frustration myself, as I hate driving along and swerving to barely miss someone's dogs that leap into the road. You then watch the dogs trot off, often to a yard with 20 dogs running loose. I'd hate hitting them even more than swerving...that would not go over well with me. I really dislike hearing people I know who let their dogs roam loose cursing out people when those dogs/cats get hit. In most places where that attitude exists, it is legal to let your dogs roam. But, it's not very smart, especially near a busy road or highway, and honestly can be a danger to people on the road as well. I've known plenty of free roaming animals who did leave perfectly happy lives and weren't a danger to others because the owners still took the time to teach them boundaries, socialize them, and because the owners either did not live near any roads or close to neighbors, or taught their dogs basic road safety (ie. sit at the curb and look both ways before crossing, or just basic awareness of cars is something you can teach). They also spayed and neutered. I would ask if this family has an underground fence, though a collar would be a give away on that one. Sounds like these people aren't supposed to have dogs at their current rental home to begin with, which makes the situation more clear-cut to me. Of course, how much one can really do is limited. You can't force the mom to stop treating the puppy in a seemingly passive aggressive way because she doesn't want it but the husband left it with her. You can't stop them from getting more animals, even if this landlord tells them to 'get'. It doesn't sound like there is a system of leash fines in your area that would have a chance at discouraging this behavior. Some people bring the roaming animal to a shelter, and the owners either pay the fine to get them back, or don't. Even if the owners then get more, continuously having those animals brought to the shelter when they roam sometimes gets the point across. But, depends if you are comfortable bringing dogs to a shelter where they may not get adopted out. Hopefully, you will get a lot of suggestions, mikensara, and will find one that fits.​

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

It is quite possible that the dog's owner did not wish to discuss her care or the OP's perceived lack of it with the OP, avoiding argument or discussion. Has the OP SEEN the puppy out running in the road? There is a lot of speculation here about the situation of this dog, and very few facts.