Two people have been charged in Meriden, Connecticut with some of the most disturbing animal abuse allegations in the state's recent history.

Kristiina Kennedy, 45, faces charges of sexual assault of an animal and creating and distributing pornographic material of that abuse. Damon Mesite has been charged with encouraging the alleged assault. Both have been released on bond. Both deny the charges.

The alleged victim is a dog named Swabee. Two cats — Avery and Rowen — were also seized by Meriden Animal Control after investigators say they found additional material on Kennedy's devices. All three animals are now in the custody of the city. Kennedy is contesting that custody in civil court.

The Meriden Police Department has said it "takes allegations of sexual assault involving animals extremely seriously." That is the right instinct. Now the prosecutor's office must match it.

These charges — if proven — represent a profound betrayal of animals who had no ability to protect themselves. Connecticut law creates the crime of sexual assault of an animal. The distribution of recordings of that abuse adds a second, separate layer of harm. Encouraging another person to commit such an act is a crime in its own right.

The animals in this case deserve permanent protection regardless of the outcome. They should never be returned to either defendant.

Sign this petition to demand that the Meriden District Attorney pursue the maximum penalties under Connecticut law, that Swabee, Avery, and Rowen be permanently rehomed, and that Connecticut courts send an unambiguous message that animal sexual abuse will not be treated lightly.