In one of the most disturbing acts of cruelty in recent memory, two individuals in Price, Utah, left 15 young dogs to fend for themselves in the San Rafael Swell, a remote and unforgiving stretch of desert. These animals were just 6 to 18 months old. They had no food. No water. No shelter.

They were left to die.

Only by chance did a group of tourists come across them, offering water and help until rescue teams could arrive. Thanks to their compassion—and the lifesaving work of Best Friends Animal Society—13 dogs were saved. But survival should never depend on luck.

Deborah Charles and Arianna Garcia now face multiple felony charges. But for true justice, we need more than prosecution. Utah must strengthen its animal cruelty laws, increase penalties for abandonment, and fund the rescue organizations that step in when others fail.

These dogs didn’t choose this. They deserve safety, accountability, and a system that prevents cruelty before it happens.

Sign this petition to tell Utah lawmakers: protect animals, punish abusers, and never let something like this happen again.