I live in a home with an aggressive dog that has frequent outbursts and poses a serious threat to everyone in the house. Is it appropriate to call animal control to help deal with the situation?
For context, the dog hasn’t been put down due to emotional and personal reasons between the owners. He can’t be placed in any care or kennel facility when we go on vacation because of his aggression. Animal welfare kennels won’t take him either; in one instance, the owner was even advised to put him down. He typically lashes out and tries to nip or bite someone about once a month. Every three months or so, he has a violent outburst for reasons I don’t fully understand, often involving an aggressive attempt to attack a family member. He can’t go out in public without wearing a “do not pet” vest because of past incidents, including one where he nearly attacked a child in a crowded area, which almost led to a lawsuit. Whenever he’s physically attacked someone, the person has been seriously injured. Multiple family members have had to go to the hospital because of him, resulting in life-changing injuries, both mentally and physically.
At home, his behavior is visibly off—slow movements, rigid features, and he spends most of his time sleeping or lying down. He doesn’t get enough physical activity, and he’s too strong for anyone but a larger person to walk him safely. We can’t let him run around in the park off-leash due to fear of him attacking others or animals. Daily life is severely impacted because any interaction with him could trigger an episode. Despite medication and professional training, the problem persists. As mentioned, the owners are reluctant to put him down due to moral and emotional reasons.
Is it appropriate to call animal control to deal with this situation, whether it means putting him down or finding another solution? Thanks.