Parents who neglect or abuse animals frequently subject their own children to similar hardships. Sometimes these guardians treat their children with actual abuse and other times they neglect them with poor living conditions. For example, Indiana parents faced felony charges after authorities reportedly discovered their two children as well as three dogs languishing in their filthy home. According to news sources, officials first found a tethered dog that was deprived of food and water outside the home. Upon entering the couple’s residence, investigators reportedly found a 3-month-old boy lying near piles of feces, trash, and rotten food. They also found a half-clothed toddler and two additional dogs. In another case, Illinois authorities found 40 parasite-ridden dogs languishing amid 6 inches of feces on property occupied by an Illinois parent. According to news reports, officials responding to neighbors’ concerns found the sick and emaciated dogs confined to filthy animal carriers before confirming that three children—ages 3, 10, and 15—lived in the horrific conditions as well. If you witness abused or neglected animals in your neighborhood, report it immediately. You may end up saving children along with the animals.