It's not a particular stoiry I was referring to, John H, it was the mass of stories carried in the programmes to which I gave the links in my opening post.

If my impression is correct that neighbours in the States are more reluctant to intervene, because of a greater sense that this would be trespassing against other people's rights, it would seem posaible thta the same kind of mindset might apply when it came to children, or old people.

And LilyFestre's comment is interesting in that context: " "It's too bad that it isn't as easy to have a child removed from a neglectful/abusive home as it is for an animal."

..............
I'm not that sure though about that link between neglect and cruelty to animals, and to humans, though I'm sure it applies often enough. It's not unusual to have people who treat their family appallingly and who lavish attention on their dogs.