Ten puppies were found shut inside an SUV in a closed garage in Lee County, Florida. They were panting hard, matted, and sitting in their own urine and feces, with no food or water within reach. The man accused of keeping them there is already listed on Lee County’s Animal Abuser Registry.

The registry is meant to keep animals away from people with a record of abuse. Yet according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, this man was linked to a Craigslist ad selling puppies. Deputies said he first denied having any puppies at the home, until they could hear the dogs inside. With only one window cracked, the temperature in the vehicle had climbed to 83.3 degrees.

He now faces charges of animal cruelty, confining animals without enough food, water, or exercise, and violating a county ordinance. The puppies were taken to Lee County Domestic Animal Services for veterinary care.

A list of names cannot protect animals on its own. If a person on the registry can still get puppies, keep them in dangerous conditions, and advertise them online, the system needs to change.

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners has the power to strengthen the county’s animal abuser ordinance. Commissioners should make sure anyone on the registry is barred from owning, breeding, or selling animals, with real enforcement behind it. The State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit should pursue every charge in this case and ask the court to ban the accused from owning animals.

These ten puppies were found in time. The next litter may not be. Sign the petition to give Lee County’s abuser registry the power to keep animals safe.