They were in cages. In a shed with no food. No water. No ventilation. In 80-degree heat. Dozens of them, dead at various stages of decay. Some in garbage bags. Some in trash cans. Three dead kittens found inside the house. Another kitten died on the way to the animal hospital.

Fifty-seven cats.

Karen Anderson told deputies she ran an animal rescue called Aaron's Hope for Paws. She said she knew about the condition of the shed. She said she hadn't been able to clean it because of medical issues. She said she was too stubborn to ask for help.

While she was on her way home with three more cats.

This is not a rescue. This is a horror. These animals did not die from a sudden emergency or an unforeseen tragedy. They died slowly, in cages, while the person responsible for them knew exactly what was happening and chose to do nothing.

Thirty-six cats, three dogs and two birds were seized from the property. Seven of the surviving cats needed immediate medical attention. They are now being cared for by shelters in the region. But 57 others did not make it.

Anderson is facing animal cruelty charges and is being held on a $60,000 bond. That is a start. But it is not enough.

We are calling on Taylor County prosecutors to pursue the maximum possible charges and sentence for every animal that died in that shed. These cats suffered. Their deaths must mean something.

Sign this petition and tell prosecutors: 57 cats deserve justice.