I get very very angry when I hear horror stories like this one. Cats are animals who need human contact and need love.
As far as asking the neighbor, I would not bother. I would take that kitten in a heartbeat. If the neighbor had a problem with that, I would tell them that what they are doing is cruelty to animals and is illegal.
I know that it may not bode well with the neighbor, but this is one where I just would not care. I would probably get so mad that I would report them.
