Cruelty or neglect?

Today I met an RSPCA inspector and had a conversation with her about a neighbour who keeps a pet Lab in their garage. My question to her was "Is this cruelty?'

She said that animals need light and as long as they have a warm bed and are protected from the elements it is not cruelty. However, it does sound like neglect.

She went on to say that I could make a call to the RSPCA and ask to have the dog checked by an Inspector. Apparently you can call them and not give your name or address - they will treat the call as confidential so that there will be no recourse. The RSPCA would rather check on an animal than leave it to suffer because no one wants to get involved.

I was concerned about reporting the incident because this family are the local drunks and I certainly don't want them to come around my house.

What a good job the RSPCA does.