On August 9, 2016 PETA released a video describing horrific conditions of animal cruelty at Darlynn's Darlins Inc. a non profit animal rescue in Polk County Florida.

http://investigations.peta.org/animal-rescue-hoarder/

PETA "documented" animal cruelty at the rescue for two months before informing the Sheriff's Department of the terrible conditions at the rescue. The owners of the rescue were arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect.  My question is, why did PETA wait two months to report severe cases of animal cruelty and neglect to law enforcement in Polk County, Florida, and why were they not prosecuted for animal cruelty themselves?

According to the press release by the Polk County Sheriff's Department..."on May 31, 2016, two representatives from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), began working as volunteers four hours per day, four days per week at the shelter, after receiving information that there were neglect issues at the facility. While there, the PETA members observed and video-recorded severe neglect of animals housed at the facility....

"During the investigation it was determined a large hog named "Buddy" laid on the ground for 14 days in respiratory distress.  The hog was non-ambulatory and did not drink or eat for most of the time period.  Witnesses (representatives from PETA) observed the hog in that condition, photographed and videotaped the incident.  The hog along with the hog located in the front yard suffered a cruel death that could have been avoided by the suspects.  Witnesses observed the hog first on 06/01/2016, observed it for 14 days, and then observed it died on 06/14/2016.  Witnesses assisted in burying the hog on 06/14/2016".

On August 2, 2016, PETA members contacted PCSO, told them of their findings, and gave detectives copies of their video recordings.

How is it possible that PETA and the two volunteers are not just as culpable in the suffering and death of Buddy as is the rescue?  Representatives from PETA are not investigators for law enforcement.  They stood by and watched that pig suffer and did nothing to help him.  Does being an PETA representative absolve one from charges of animal cruelty?

1. They knowingly participated in Buddy's abuse.
2. They filmed his horrific suffering and death.
3. They released the video of his death on their website for profit.  
4. They did NOTHING to relieve his suffering.

Why, if PETA's intention is to stop the mistreatment of animals, didn't they do their lawful duty and report the incidents of animal cruelty immediately to law enforcement? 

Because PETA wanted to sensationalize and profit from the misery of the animals. .

Continuing from the press release..."On Thursday, August 4, 2016, PCSO Detectives and Animal Control Officers arrived at the facility in Polk City, and served a search warrant. 

A total of 197 animals were removed from the scene. 

Through witness statements, evidence at the scene, and post-Miranda statements from the suspects, it was determined that three counts of felony animal cruelty were committed for the three hogs that died (two were euthanized, and one died in June).  It was determined that 138 counts of animal neglect were committed on 133 hogs, 4 dogs, and 1 steer, for failure to feed, water, and provide proper medical care.

I ask you, "How could this have not been accomplished in one or two days?" Why did 197 animals have to suffer for TWO MONTHS while PETA played "undercover investigator"? PETA knew the animals were suffering when they went in. PETA could have ended the suffering immediately upon their arrival.  They chose not to.