I agree with everyone else. If the dog shows up again, she's fair game. I've done it. My neighbors across the street had this little Cocker/Peke mix they kept outside 24/7 and they would let it run around off leash after us telling them numerous times to keep it on a leash. They have these little monster twin boys that kicked and hit the dog on a few occasions. So one day when we saw it running loose a block over we got him. He has a broken tail, cherry eye, heartworms, and he's not neutered. Some people can't be reasoned with so you just have to do what's best for the innocent animal. They never put up signs or knocked on our door looking for him, so that shows how much they cared.

Your friend might want to help the dog "break loose" just to get her out of that situation quicker. If it goes to court, then I say she should testify, they don't need to get away with what they've subjected this poor dog to. If it was a child, they wouldn't get away with it.