These stories just really make me wonder in what kind of world we live today.

Thankfully I have no problems with the neighborhood kids when it comes to stuff like that. You can't see our backyard so nobody ever interferes.

The only problem we have, is my 7 year old nephew. Thankfully he lives 8 hours away from us so we hardly ever see him. If he's here, I have to make sure I can see and hear him. Last time he was collecting sticks to 'stick them through the mouth of the cats and see where he comes out'!!! I quickly took him by his shirt and pulled him inside to give him a lessin in 'how do I behave when I'm around animals'. As a toddler he always asked me what would happen if he hit the cat, or what would happen if he pinches them. I know he once tried something because the cat bite him.
I told my sister in law that she's not welcome anymore if she can't get her son under control.

I think it's best to have you (or your mom) talk to the neighbors, just so you know that they are aware.