pet care and neighbours and dilemmas

[Irulan]

One has to be very careful- it's like dealing with other peoples kids. At least where I live, pets are considered property and the only way to deal with a potential neglect or other issue is to go the county animal welfare/control agency. We had a situation a few years back where one neighbor went on vacation and left the the dog with a kiddie pool full water and a large container of food. It sat at the edge of the invisible fence barking incessantly for a week before the rest of us figured out what was going on. Another neighbor went onto the property to get the dog and give it some human care. The owner had him arrested for trespassing and stealing, even though the neglect was documented.
It was quite the drama on our little cul de sac.