I know we have no laws here about keeping pets indoors, even small dogs.

I have 3 cats that stay outside and lurk around the farm. (I have tried to bring Stubby in and he hates it.) One is a stray we sorta adopted and he only comes around to eat in the morning and evening. Where I live we also have no animal control or shelter to call, so it is really hard to take care of all the strays.
I feel bad for you, I know my friend lives in a neighborhood and had to get rid of her kids sandbox b/c of a neighbors cats.