Mary, I think there will always be people like that who look at animals as things, they don't understand that they are alive and breathing just like us. I think the only way to deal with these people are more strict laws regarding abandoning animals and as Karen says hit them in the pocketbook.
A good hefty fine will make them think twice and would help to take care of the animals expenses.
It makes me sick to read stories like this, I just don't know how a person can just walk away. Shame on them.
Jackie