I am wondering if I am overreacting or completely in-line when it comes to how my sister treats her dog?

My younger sister (who is 20) rescued her very first dog this past Christmas and I have begun to see patterns in how she has been treating her dog physically at times.

The most recent situation was last night; everyone (parents sister her fiance and me) were all eating in the living room watching a movie and Marley (the pooch) was begging at my feet. I just took a dog class at my local SPCA and I have been helping out there volunteering a lot of my spare time. I was taught that when a dog begs for anything to ignore them and not acknowledge their presence and what they are trying to do: get food from you.

This was working fine but my sister suddenly became very agitated grabbed Marley by her collar and jerked her right over backwards.

This and other things such as hitting, yelling, pushing, and smacking I have begun to notice happening regularly when I am around them. Which leads me to believe it happens regularly all the time.

I have been an animal-lover all my life, aways standing up for them and demanding what is best for them and protecting them. I have rescued numerous animals and have also had abused or neglected animals taken from homes. It is something I cannot and will not tolerate.

Is it right for me to hold my sister to the same standard I have always held every animal owner? Is what she is doing considered abuse? Grounds to have her dog removed from her home?

My strong feelings towards this situation has caused a major rift between myself and my parents. They are trying to protect their daughter and justify her actions. While I am seeing them for what they are.

I’m so frustrated I’m seeing red… If anyone has any suggestions or comments to offer up I would love to hear them.

Thanks,
Heather Grace