Question:
Don't know if this is the right place to post this but here goes. If, say, you were to see an animal being abused, or tied in a yard without food and water what would you do? Step in? Do nothing?Alert the authorities ? What would you do if you saw sick animals on a forum hurt because moderators and members were publically running their own agendas, complete with double standards, jeering and rude remarks running members who were trying to help these animals off the site by constantly bombarding them until they did, leaving the person who has the sick animal pretty confused and lost? Don't forums like these do more harm than good? And what's to be done? Animals are being hurt while this is going on and the Administrators just stand by and let it happen.


Answer:
Don't know if this is the right place to post this but here goes. If, say, you were to see an animal being abused, or tied in a yard without food and water what would you do? Step in? Do nothing?Alert the authorities ?
I would Alert the proper authorities. If a animal is being abused especially if theres no food and water (which gives the authorities more grounds for removal of the animal) I would call immediately.
What would you do if you saw sick animals on a forum hurt because moderators and members were publically running their own agendas, complete with double standards, jeering and rude remarks running members who were trying to help these animals off the site by constantly bombarding them until they did, leaving the person who has the sick animal pretty confused and lost? Don't forums like these do more harm than good? And what's to be done? Animals are being hurt while this is going on and the Administrators just stand by and let it happen.
This part has me confused I think you need to give maybe a example because myself (maybe its just me,) I don't understand what you mean or are reffering to.


Answer:
if i saw it with my own eyes, i would step in if necessary, contact public authorities, if i had to (if the animal was at death's door, for instance) seize the animal myself and surrender it to authorities.

if it is on a forum, privately inform the person needing help of other places they can go to get said help...most forums that are as toxic as the one you are describing often burn themselves out fairly quickly.


Answer:
I have just walked in the yard and taken dogs before, and the abusers know better than try to get them back because I take pics and can prove to authorities the condition of the animals.


Answer:
I have just walked in the yard and taken dogs before
While this is the right thing to do. You could be tried for theft if the morons who are abusing the dog try to take you to court. Just be careful


Answer:
More importantly it's what you do with the dog after you take it.. did you just keep the dog or find a new home for it? Or did you take the dog to an animal shelter and let the investigators do their jobs?
I'd be afraid of getting a bullet in the head while saving the animal.. which can happen if you are trespassing on their property. Take the pictures to the proper authorities and let them deal with it.. If the proper steps aren't taken in an investigation of animal abuse.. the charges won't hold up in court.


Answer:
I would call in the authorities, myself. Although I think if the situation were dire and the authorities were unable/unwilling to do anything about it, I would take the animal and bring it to a shelter. Going onto someone's property and taking a dog is putting yourself into a dangerous situation, though - I'd also worry about being shot.

As to the second question, I've been in a couple of dysfunctional forums, and it's a pretty horrible experience, so I know what you're talking about. In some cases, irresponsible pet owners were applauded while anyone daring to question how they were treating their animals or attempting to educate were bullied into silence. Double-standards were rampant, as well - Slaps on the back and hugs were given to established members no matter how openly irresponsible they were, while newer members weren't forgiven quite so easily for smaller 'offences'. Which of course confused what is good - and what is bad - pet care practices and sent some dangerous signals to anyone visiting the forum. Disheartening, really, because it had started off as an excellent forum I agree with najiwench - toxic forums usually self-destruct eventually, thankfully. Unfortunately, they do damage before they blow themselves up. I don't think there's anything anyone can do to get a forum like that back on-track unless the owner/mod/admin(s) is/are onboard with improving things.


Answer:
I guess it all depends on the dog. I normally take the dog to the vet to make sure no permanent damage has been done, and get the vets opinion, then I will take care of it at home, after I tell our local police what happened. Imay or may not give the dog a permanent home with me, and I have rehomed several. One was one who hated other dogs. No dog leaves me until it is healthy and rehabilitated as much as I can do.