Dogsey

Well this could be viewed from several perspectives. If we're talking about hoarders who seriously have more critters than they can realistically care for. But then again in the states children's services can be draconian on what they consider "realistic". We have six cats and two dumb mutts. The critters are well fed and well exercised, the house isn't Martha Stewart but it's cozy.
But someone could look at our family and say too much livestock...don't count the two tennis balls disguised as pet rats...It has to be a case by case thing. Poop on the floor and underfed animals is negligence. Poop on the floor and underfed human children is negligence...

I actually know this couple and I can only say they really shouldn't have children or animals. I won't say any more as they are not here to defend themselves but believe me the court is doing the right thing in this particular case IMO.

I suppose we never think its right do we the cases of children that have been left in place and died of neglect we say the Social Services never do their job well enough when they seem to do their job we doubt their decision.
I can only hope they did the right thing sounds like they did and with Julie's statement also convinces me more they did the right thing.

Does it matter that they've cleaned up the house, they only did so because they were forced to. I'm guessing it was pretty foul to be described as "utterly squalid and indescribably filthy" why should the kids have to suffer that. It's a form of abuse and neglect. I hope the kids end up somewhere decent and can put all this behind them.