Nyla is a mixed-breed puppy, only about three months old. When she was rescued from a home in Humble, Texas, she had several broken bones. According to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office, those fractures were in different stages of healing, a sign that can point to abuse happening over and over again.

She was not the only one. An adult dog taken from the same home had a broken rib and what looked like a pellet stuck in its skin. Both dogs are now recovering in the care of the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

McKinley Bass, 18, has been charged with third-degree felony animal cruelty. He was released on a $12,000 bond. If convicted, he faces two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

"This should have never happened," Constable Alan Rosen told FOX 26 Houston. "No dog should ever be treated like this."

The Harris County District Attorney's Office has the power to make sure this case gets the attention it deserves. That means three things:

• pursuing the strongest penalty Texas law allows
• asking the court to keep Bass away from animals while the case moves forward
• seeking a lifetime ban on owning or caring for animals if he is convicted

It also means making sure Nyla and the other dog never return to that home and instead find safe, loving families through the Houston SPCA.

A puppy this young cannot speak up for herself. Everyone who cares about what happens to her can.

Sign the petition to demand full justice for Nyla now, before another animal is hurt.