[NEWyear]

Let us PRESUME you are correct in that, the dog is left outside chained up like that all the time and that the owners are elderly and unable to provide adequate care;

I don't know who in the world thinks it is okay for that dog to be out there at all times or treated like that. I don't understand how a responsible dog owner would be okay with that. I am not the type of person who believes pets should be left outside indefinitely. A PLASTIC CRATE IS NOT SHELTER. Shame on YOU.

BUT

If you are just realizing this now I wonder if you are new to the area? Do you not know who your neighbors are, or how old they are? Have you not seen the dog crying outside for weeks/months now? I am not saying your wrong but these are legitimate questions that contradict your narrative so I think the answers are appropriate.

That said I believe just checking a book to see if it 'fits the code' is immoral and apathetic. I believe pet dogs deserve more rights than they are afforded, I don't believe they deserve council and a 401k but they also have souls which deserve to be treated with care.