Leaving dogs unattended in van

We had the same thing about 12 years ago. Looking after FiL who had dementia we were given a chance of 3 nights respite so took the caravan to Wirral CP. All we wanted to do was sit and read on a sparsely populated site but someone left their dog in the caravan who proceeded to howl the place down. We actually moved pitch after telling wardens who, like Moulesy's wardens, had a very frank exchange with owners who packed up and left. 

It was, I understand, against the rules in those days and has been "amended" since. 

As we and other border collie owners are aware of, take care to ensure of which end of the lead has the highest IQ ,it is a close run thing with most owners

Love it JVB - and for me - quite happy to admit, Meg would win, hands down! And why not

I agree the wording needs to convey a stronger message but it's impractical to totally ban the leaving of dogs. What is a solo camper to do with his/her dog when nipping to the facility block? I think we need to apply common sense here which is clearly something the people we've read of in the quoted examples have lacked. 

Quite apart from the animal welfare point of view, there are rules about noise on site and annoying other campers so barking dogs, especially unattended ones, is certainly an issue to bring to the warden's attention and, in the event of a dog in distress, to do as Rocky described.

I agree with everything you have said TW. I’m not suggesting for one minute that dogs should never be left on their own and agree that in the circumstances you suggest, that would be totally impractical. There is a big difference, however, between say, 20 mins in the shower etc, and the five or six hours this dog was left to fend for itself. I was very close to going down the route that Rocky suggested and would have had no hesitation in breaking into the van myself if I thought the circumstances justified it - it’s just not knowing when you are at that point that makes it difficult. My problem is that I can’t understand why some people would want to treat a creature that gives so much, yet asks for so little in return, in such a way.

We sing from the same song sheet, R&R. 

It's terrible the way some folk treat their pets and I have to wonder why they have them. People who have never known the unconditional love of a dog will not understand the meaning of your words or that depth of feeling but others of us are with you 100% and echo your thoughts.

It’s not that hard to distinguish between a dog left for 10 minutes (say for example a solo tourer taking a shower) and one left for hours on end howling like mad or barking like mad until it’s uncaring owner returns none the ruddy wiser. If you get no joy from the Site Staff, simply call the Police or the RSPCA, who will investigate. Some people should never own a dog, they are either too thick, or simply don’t care. Same goes for the fools who leave babies and toddlers in hot cars. Beggars belief what some folks do sometimes.🤷‍♀️

It seems as if they may have got the message.  They (the owners) were back in their van for about an hour yesterday evening and then went out again - with another couple - obviously going out for a meal.  There wasn't a peep out of their dog whilst they were out, so I can only assume that they took him/her with them.  I hope so, anyway. We haven't said anything to them - those others around us are very friendly and we don't want to cause an 'atmosphere' and I don't suppose anything I might say is going to make any difference in the long term.

I have to smile TTDA - looking at your avatar - that's exactly the pose Meg has adopted in her bed, on the floor of the van, at the moment!  Don't we love 'em Nearly time for a romp around the woods!!

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This isn't a case of being "with" or against. There isn't a single person here who has condoned the actions of folk who leave their dogs unattended in vans for hours are a time.