How can I bring a case of animal abuse to the attention of the public???

If you really feel that you personally need to do something about this, write a letter to the local newspaper and tv stations, but leave it at that. If she's already got charges against her, the local pet places will be able to check into this. Before adopting any pet out, they do little background checks and will see, regardless of whether she was found guilty or not, that she was at least charged of animal cruelty. I know you're concerned, but try not to get too involved with them. Sometimes the best intentions can backfire, and you don't want this (most likely) ruthless family to benefit from your actions by filing harment charges against you. So just bring animal cruelty issues in general to the public's attention and then just love your own pets all that much more, knowing you take good care of them.