I would definately call animal control. I called them on my parent's neighbor a few weeks ago and have a feeling I am going to call them on another one as soon as I find out the house number.
I breaks my heart and makes me soooo mad to see dogs out in the cold like that.
By law (in OH at least) they have to have shelter for the animal. And I know it is true in MI also simply by watching Animal cops Detroit b/c they take animals away on the show if they don't have proper shelter.
Is this you're sister in law that isn't nice to you? And has Ashley?