Gemma, an 8-year-old Dogo Argentino, was found so severely neglected that her ribs, spine, and hip bones were visible through her skin. She had lost most of her body fat and muscle, was covered in chronic skin sores, and had been suffering for what officers believe was an extended period of time.

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department said officers "observed that the dog was severely emaciated, with visible ribs, spine, and hip bones, little to no body fat, significant muscle loss, chronic skin issues, and open sores," and determined that "neglect had occurred over an extended period and resulted in unnecessary pain and suffering," according to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.

Gemma's owners, Shaun Haedrich, 47, and Catherine Haedrich, 56, now face animal cruelty charges. A concerned citizen's report, not the owners themselves, is the only reason Gemma was found in time.

Charges alone do not guarantee Gemma stays safe or that this never happens again. Volusia County prosecutors and the court overseeing Gemma's custody case have the power to pursue the full weight of Florida's animal cruelty statute, permanently terminate the Haedrichs' custody of Gemma so she can be placed in a safe home, and impose a lifetime ban preventing them from owning animals again.

Neglect this severe does not happen overnight, and animals suffering in silence need people willing to hold their owners accountable. Gemma survived because a stranger noticed and spoke up. She deserves a full recovery, a safe home, and a legal outcome that reflects the seriousness of what she endured.

Sign the petition to demand full prosecution, permanent custody removal, and a lifetime pet ownership ban for Gemma's owners.