WWYD?

munkii · April 2010

A co-worker told me she's livid with her 17-yo daughter because her daughter was screaming at her cat and hit him really hard. She said she's going to have a talk with her tonight and force her to continue counseling and also get a referral to an anger management specialist.

I reminded my co-worker that animal cruelty is illegal. At this point, I want to notify the authorities but know co-worker will know I did it. WWYD?

Witchys_Woman · April 2010

That makes me insane. People who are mean to animals deserve to be reported. Maybe this is the first time she's ever done something like that but it dosen't take long for things like that to escalate. Are you close with the co-worker?

Fotophreak4c · April 2010

I would report it, I would rather have a coworker mad at me then a cat who has to endure suffering for the rest of its life living with this crazy girl. Also, let her know that animal abuse usually leads to bigger crimes later in life.

Tell her to send the cat to me, I will take care of it!!

dvshaw · April 2010

I hate situations like these... I'm sorry. I understand how you don't know what to do.

There was an episode on Dr. Phil about something similar.... the child kept abusing animals. So Dr. Phil, along with recommending continued counseling, told the parents they had to remove all animals from the home. Which they reluctantly did. But this was a CHILD doing this... at 17 years old, you should know better.

munkii · April 2010

I forgot to mention: she tries to punish him by not allowing him to eat and locking him in the bathroom. Everytime she does that, co-worker gets the cat and feeds him.

Here's the reason I don't know if I want a co-worker mad at me: she's crazy. Literally. A doctor diagnosed her with a personality disorder, and she got angry and went to another one who diagnosed her as bipolar. This is the thing, she's not bipolar. She hears voices and blacks out. That's not bipolar. Also, we're in a tiny 5-person office at a university where she has been an employee for 10+ years. Andplusalso, she's married to the director's friend from childhood.

This kills me.

Karen2905 · April 2010

Are you in a position that you would offer to take the cat and care for it?

If you're not, or she's not willing to give it up, I would talk to your boss/human resources about it. If you do report the situation, there will be reprecussions at work, and they may have some suggestions on what to do or how to handle it.

Fotophreak4c · April 2010

I wonder if she has told other people other than u about this? If so, I would still report it because she wouldnt know who did it...try to find out if anyone else in the office knows about it. You would think if she's told u, she might've tried to vent to others

Witchys_Woman · April 2010

I agree, she's probaby mentioned it to other people,probably even people outside of work. This girl can not continue to torture this cat. It's awful. I know that work will be tense if you say anything but I think it's worth bringing up to your HR like someone else said.

munkii · April 2010

She just told my director the same story. She won't tell anyone else--she doesn't really get along with anyone else in the office.

juangela · April 2010

My ballsy side (which rarely comes out IRL) would tell me to tell her that you need to report the animal cruelty and then do it.

My passive-aggressive side (which is what usually comes out IRL) tells me to just call and report it. Be prepared, though, to own up if she confronts you about it.

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR or a

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR or a clergy

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR or a clergy person

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR or a clergy person if by

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR or a clergy person if by chance

Milliechel67 · April 2010

This is obviously a much bigger problem than the cat. If mom has a personality disorder that you're worried about... that is sure to have impacted the daughter in big ways. The girl's behavior toward the cat is a huge indicator that things are out of control with her... either because of mom or other influences or both. I would definitely try to talk to someone else about it who could help more... perhaps counselling is enough... but maybe not. HR or a clergy person if by chance she's

Milliechel67 · April 2010

Woah! My computere completely spazzed. I am so sorry... I have no idea how that even happend! How can we delete all those extra posts!?

I was just going to say HR or a clergy person if by chance she's share that she attends a church or synagog somewhere may be a good place to start but it will probably be hard no matter how you choose to go about it.

miss.kayla · April 2010

tell her to get rid of the poor kitty, her daughter obviously does not deserve a pet. Then give her a day or two and ask her what happened if she says they still have it then call. My Mother had to call child services on one of her best friends. I am sure it was one of the hardest things she's had to do in her life but it was for the well being of the children. My Moms friend ended up losing her two children and also found out that my Mother called, there was no hard feelings in fact she thanked my Mom and told her it was her wake up call. HTH:)

KatieintheCity · April 2010

Ugh what a tough spot to be in! I agree with several PPs, you need to make sure your coworker knows that her daughter's behavior is NOT okay - there's research that people who abuse animals when they are young are more likely to abuse/hurt other people when they are adults. Her daughter needs help and that cat needs to be taken out of the house. You could offer to help her find another home for the cat. If she's not responsive to any of that though, I would definitely call your local animal rescue/police. You can't force her or her daughter to get help, but you can at least try to get the poor cat out of the situation. I would also go to your boss and/or HR person and explain the situation (maybe even before you call) just so that you have them on your side.

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