Ever wonder if a dog in a surrounding house is receiving sufficient shelter--with the cold months approaching? I had that problem once, as I did not think the dogs of the neighbors were getting enough warmth. I was not sure how to handle the situation. What do you do? If you had that situation, did you approach the people directly, or did you make it a legal issue?

If I was really concerned about any animal I would have to report it to the RSPCA which here in the uk is an organization trying to prevent cruelty to animals.

I would say try talking to the owner, but they probably wouldn't take that very well unfortunately. I would say, seriously consider reporting it and they will decide the best route to take, maybe giving the owners a warning and a certain amount of time to fix things.

Good Luck. It is always really hard to see things like that.

As I have known, dogs have rights to be fed, sheltered and so I guess, these rights must be properly taken into consideration when you have dogs to attend to. They must not be taken for granted if one doesn't like to be reported.

I believe it would depend on your relationship with the neighbor. Obviously if you have some sort of cordial relationship you could make a suggestion or even offer to help rectify the problem (offer to help build a shelter, provide warm coverings, or let the dog in and out if they are gone often). On the other hand if you don't know them at all I would take an anonymous approach (note/letter) or in either case if neglect is severe a phone call to animal protection.