Animal Neglect

[thirstywork]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience of a PD relative neglecting a dog or pet, and how did you deal with it?
I don't see my BPDsis very often, intentionally, although that's only occurred for the last year or so since I came Out of the FOG. Before that, I used to see her a lot and even stayed with her a couple of times for a couple of weeks at a time.
She has a dog that she picked up off the street quite a few years ago, she's a sweet dog but she has some problems according to my sister. Things like; she apparently hates other dogs, she can't ever come off the lead, she hates having her nails clipped (what dog doesn't to be honest). Once when I was staying with her I noticed the dog wasn't getting walked much, so I took her out on my own. I didn't know really anything about dogs at the time, but we walked past lots of other dogs while on the walk in very close proximity and she had absolutely no reaction. Also, I let her off the lead in a quiet, large area of grass and she had a great time, and came back to me beautifully.
In the past, when she has complained about behaviour problems with the dog, I suggested training, but she always said it's too expensive. Finally, she got a couple of sessions last year when my mum offered to pay for them and it turns out that the dog is pretty good with other dogs.
I've always suspected that she wants her dog to be as 'quirky' as she is. Also, she has her registered as a therapy dog of some sort basically so that she can evade landlords giving her what for when she wants to bring pets to the property.
So that's the background!
She's been living with my Dad for just under a year now and I haven't visited since she moved in, but he invited me over a few days ago. She was upstairs sleeping and didn't make an appearance.
I sat down in the living room and the dog came in. Firstly, the dog looked obese, like properly rotund. I mentioned my visit to another family member yesterday who said that the dog had actually lost weight and used to be even bigger! Secondly, her nails were so so so so so long! I was shocked! I said to my flying monkey dad "she needs her nails clipped urgently, that has GOT to be really hurting her" and he said "yes I know but the vet says she gets so upset with having her nails clipped that they don't need to do it". I just find that impossible to believe. Then he got all bitchy, as he does, and said "She doesn't take care of her properly, it's me who has to walk her".

I don't visit this house often and there's no chance I could take the dog myself to have her nails clipped. But something in me is on fire about this situation, I'm suspecting neglect but I don't know, should I be looking for more? The dog is clearly NOT exercised properly. My dad is rubbish with dogs - doesn't understand them at all and is often saying he doesn't like them (though he can be dramatic) - and if he's the one looking after her then I find that worrying.
More-so, the dog will be putting all of her weight onto those nails, and she's carrying FAR more weight than she should anyway. She's GOT to be messing up all her joints as a result. I just cannot believe that a vet would recommend that a dog should get all the serious ramifications of horribly long nails simply because they get upset during nail clipping.
What can I do? I don't trust any other family member, they're all flying monkeys and it will start a war, and I'm trying to avoid those. I'm not sure that simply not cutting a dog's nails is really seen as neglect? Do I need something more concrete? I don't feel like I can do nothing, seeing her in that state. Something in my gut is telling me that there is more to it that I don't know.

[coyote]

I think you can always make a report to SPCTA or local Sheriff if you suspect animal abuse.

[Poison Ivy]

I agree with Coyote.

[Andeza]

First, yeah I would report that.

Second, owners insecurities and fears when projected onto an animal often result in the exact behavior they fear. It is possible that your sister is just saying the dog is that way for the reasons you suspect. However it is also possible that the bad behavior manifests only around the unbalanced PD person because they work the dog up. I hope that made sense. Good luck. 

[Sidiusss]

If there is anyone wondering what animal neglect is, animal neglect situations are those in which the animal's caretaker or owner fails to provide food, water, shelter, or veterinary care sufficient for survival. It can be either deliberate or unintentional, but either way, the animal suffers terribly. It's been estimated that there are 900 to 2,000 new cases every year of animal hoarding in the US, with 250,000 animals falling victim.

[SparkStillLit]

Updh makes up behavior problems with the animals that don't exist. Or maybe they exist only for him, because pd upsets the animals.
You could make a report.
If you see the dog from time to time, you could make an appt with any vet for just a nail trim, they're inexpensive. Or a groomer like Petsmart or those places. If you might need mild sedation, stick with the vet.