On August 21, law enforcement in Chatham County, Georgia raided two homes in Savannah. What they found was devastating: cocaine, fentanyl, firearms, and 13 dogs—most chained pit bulls—believed to have been used in dog fighting. Three men now face charges of dog fighting and animal cruelty.

The people responsible for this cruelty will face justice in court. But what about the dogs?

Right now, those 13 dogs sit in county kennels, legally classified as “property” of the very men accused of abusing them. Under Georgia law, animals seized in cruelty cases cannot be freed until the court process is over or the owner surrenders them. That can take months—or even years. In the meantime, these dogs are locked in “case hold,” unable to be adopted or fostered, while shelter space runs out and other animals risk euthanasia.

This isn’t justice. It’s a second sentence for innocent dogs who have already suffered enough.

Advocates like Renegade Paws and Rescue in Savannah are ready to step in, provide behavioral support, and give these dogs a chance at adoption. But until Georgia changes its laws, case dogs will remain stuck in limbo while their abusers fight charges. Many will never get the chance at a real home.

We demand that Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, and Chatham County officials take action now. Georgia must pass a “bond-or-forfeit” law requiring accused abusers to post a bond for the care of seized animals or surrender ownership quickly. This reform is already in place in other states—and it prevents innocent animals from spending years warehoused as evidence.

No one is asking for dogs to skip due process. But treating them as property instead of victims keeps them chained to their abusers long after the raids are over. Justice for the 13 dogs in Savannah—and countless others across Georgia—means freedom, care, and a path to adoption.

Sign if you agree Georgia must end the legal limbo for dogfighting victims and give rescued dogs a chance at life.