I agree with almost everything in the previous post by Xeramtheum with one small exception. If we do nothing because we fear retaliation we are allowing others to break the law. We, by our inaction, send the message that we are condoning their behavior. We all need to live and work within the law; make the currents laws work for us.
When you notify your animal control department you should also go to the local court and file a form for 'good neighbor bond' (or something like that). It is similar to a restraining order except that, since you are neighbors, it is not about keeping their distance but it is about obeying the law. After the form is part of the records, if anything happens such as vandalism or retaliation, the police can step in and make an immediate arrest. This was all explained to me when I had to deal with my 'neighbor from Heck'...and he is behaving much better now.
In my neighborhood I would be up to my knees in orphan dog poop if I did nothing. I am that crazy lady who hands a person a doggy poop bag and says, "You ARE gonna pick that up, RIGHT???" So far no one has refused and no on has retaliated.
