“Is It Ethical to Attend a Baby Shower Without Evidence of the Baby? One Woman’s Dilemma Sparks Controversy!”

One of the reasons the OP doesn’t like the supposedly pregnant woman is her treatment of animals. No living thing deserves to be treated poorly, and the family should try to report the woman’s behavior so that she faces consequences.

The OP describes how animal control already visited the home but didn’t do anything. That might be because they didn’t have any evidence of animal cruelty. The Humane Society states that you have to document the instances of animal cruelty with dates, times, and specific details. If there is any visual evidence, like photographs or videos (even on a cellphone), the case will be stronger.

The nonprofit defines animal cruelty as neglect. Physical abuse, according to them, happens less often, but is a very serious issue. “Violence toward animals is often part of a larger pattern of violence that can include people as well,” they explain.

Hoarding animals is also a form of cruelty. Housing more than the owner can adequately take care of victimizes the animals. And while it may be hard to prove if there are only two or three dogs like in this story, other evidence like physical abuse should suffice.

The Humane Society lists emaciation as another form of animal abuse; it falls under the category of lack of veterinary care. Inadequate shelter can be dangerous to animals as well. If possible, they urge people to document their living situation and send it to the authorities.

The Stray Rescue of St. Louis notes that chaining a dog is also a form of animal cruelty. First, they suffer psychological damage, becoming neurotic, anxious, aggressive, and generally miserable.

Chained dogs can injure themselves trying to escape confinement, scratching their necks raw with the constant yanking and straining. They’re also very susceptible to attacks from other animals, insects, and even humans. When they’re attached to a chain, they don’t receive the proper amount of food and water, can face harsh weather conditions, and don’t get the love and affection they so crave.

Many commenters suggested the OP be petty: “I’d show up with a pregnancy test as a gift”