Check out this article from the Associated Press. A morbidly obese dog named Jiffy was frozen to a sidewalk overnight in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His owner had tried to get the 11 or 12 yr. old Border Collie mix inside her home but was unsuccessful. She says she checked on him every few hours instead.
According to the Sheboygan Humane Society, it is believed his fat is what saved his life. She was arrested on charges of suspicion of animal neglect.
I have often wondered what constitutes neglect vs. abuse. Sometimes it can be a very fine line as I found out here. I don’t know if this woman intentionally wanted to hurt her dog but I would not have allowed my dog to stay outside overnight in freezing temperatures knowing my dog may die. I would have seeked help from someone, somewhere even if that means calling the local human society, neighbors, family or friends. What was she thinking?
Do you think it was neglect or abuse?