[SWHouston]

I'm the type person who is rather bold about such matters.

IF there was any actual evidence (besides just being outside) of that animal being mistreated, I'd pick the little guy up, and it would be the last time it's "previous" owner saw it.

However, just being outside is not mistreatment assuming the animal had a choice. I have a Doggy Door, and my guys come in and go out as they please. Our Dogs (mine anyway) are not stupid. If (and it has occurred) they see a threat which they can't deal with, they retreat, bark like hell, and get me to deal with the problem.

How would you feel, if someone took your Dog on an assumption.