THE ETHICIST TAP : ANIMAL ABUSE

MY NEIGHBORS' treatment of their dog - one mutt ''Z'' has been weighing on me. The household is a single mother with adult children, some living with her, and some next door.

Last winter, when temperatures dropped below 30, I tried to help by giving Z a blanket and a sweater, along with socks and chocolates for the family, as a '' Christmas gift.'' Nothing changed, and it seems they never used the gifts.

WHEN I raised the issue, the mother said Z was her daughter's responsibility. I suggested free spay/neuter services, but she dismissed the idea. I considered arranging neutering myself but worried they wouldn't provide post-op care.

Since then, I have seen the daughter frequently yell at Z and once kick him.

The mother's ex, who lives next door, often threatens to kill him for barking; Z is visibly afraid of him, and I suspect past abuse.

I called animal services anonymously after the kicking incident but they left after speaking with the mother.

Now in the Arizona summer heat, I'm more alarmed. The bowls of water I see are usually in full sun, most likely too hot to drink. He isn't tied up but no one seems to interact with him.

My toddler and I sometimes give him treats and cold water because he's so sweet and affectionate.

I can't take him in, my own dog is elderly and won't accept another. And while I believe Z is neglected, nothing I've seen clearly violates the law.

I feel trapped, afraid of overstepping with unpredictable neighbors, afraid of doing nothing and regretting it if Z suffers or dies.

I know not everyone treats pets like family, but I wish they would meet the basics of care. What, ethically and practically, should I do to safeguard this dog's well being?

The World Students Society thanks The New York Times.