All I was cautioning was take care, once reported its too late to stop what follows and while I am sure op is certain what is going on we only have one side of this much could be going on we and they don't know about.

I have no idea what's going on. All I know is the cat is caged and the house reeks of dog mess...

Those are the only facts I have.

And you have been there so people suggesting taking the animals away have even less to go on. It's worth trying to find out more no doubt about it but cautiously IMO

The dog Warden and even the RSPCA (not that they would be interested) will not take a dog away generally in the first instance, but this does bare looking into especially as Karis does not know the particulars this may be the first indication that the lady is unable to cope and needs more help or support or possibly even some home care. If no-one official knows how are things going to improve for the animals or the lady, who I cant imagine really likes having her home smelling of dog shit?

in all honesty i'd line up a new home for the dog myself and then take him on one of his walks and pretend he ran away. any upset this may cause her is immaterial !

unfortunately that doesn't solve the problem, the lady would probably just get another dog (and as has been mentioned wants another one even though she does not cope by herself with the current animals)

I wonder if the lady in question has dementia of some kind? Does not sound like normal behaviour - especially the qvc purchasing?
Is there a family member you could speak too?

Well I commented the other day that the dog has issues with pooping and she said he only eats human food (he can't eat from a bowl as he doesn't know how).

She called me up and threw a conniption fit over how insulted she was at my comment (which was nothing more than a throwaway comment expressing concern over his poopies) and now she told me to go away and never come back.

I feel sorry for the little dog but she's got serious issues. Not much more I can do.

Case closed.

I'd say now is the perfect time to call someone in - whoever you choose. You don't have to face her again so let the authorities deal with it!

Absolutely agree.