Sweet puppy ethics question

[Pastor Josh]

All right.  We have a neighbor who neglects his dogs.  It seems like he got the female for the kids, and when the kids got tired of her he decided to start his puppy mill.  She's had at least two litters in the past year or so.  Their idea of playing with her is to let her out of her 6x6 cage so she can spend time with the neighbors who will play with her.  Animal control has done all they can.  (We have not called them.)  How can we help save this dog?

[robertc]

What exactly has animal control done? Have they already investigated your neighbor?

[Pastor Josh]

Yeah, they've even confiscated the puppy twice.  However, they don't have a lot of room to do much.  I've told them as they were taking her away that I could help find her a home.  They just can't do much.

[Sarah]

Kidnap her and find her a home far enough away that she'll be safe from her current people.

[Pastor Josh]

Sarah, I'm really close to that.  The reason I started this topic was to find encouragement to steal a dog.  Any takers?

[robertc]

I know it feels terrible, but you probably shouldn't steal the dog. Life isn't like Air Bud!

[Sarah]

Ignore robertc, PJ.  Listen to me.  What is more important:  respecting property rights or relieving suffering?

[Bryan]

Yeah, I think stealing the dog would be morally appropriate. Would they really give a shit? Just make sure you don't get caught.

I've got a similar, but way milder version of the same story. My landlord's dog is not being used for breeding, and is not confined to a cage, but is left alone all the time. The poor thing just cries all day. It's a major bummer.

[robertc]

How close do you live to this neighbor? If they're willing to retrieve the dog from animal control twice, and you live close by, it would be really difficult to get away with it. If you were to steal her, I would make sure you have the support of your other neighbors.