On Saturday, police in Fulton, New York responded to a loose dog complaint and discovered conditions that led to the rescue of eight dogs and four puppies from what authorities described as torturous circumstances.

William E. Lawrence, 45, and McKaylee J. Lawrence, 18, have both been charged with 12 counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, as well as failing to provide proper sustenance.

Twelve dogs. Eight adults and four puppies. All living in conditions severe enough to warrant 12 separate animal cruelty charges against two people.

These animals could not speak. They could not call for help. They were entirely dependent on the people responsible for their care — and those people failed them in the most fundamental and cruel way possible. The only reason they are alive today is because of a loose dog complaint that brought police to that door.

Justice for these 12 dogs means more than charges being filed. It means prosecution to the fullest extent of New York law. It means both defendants being held fully accountable for every count they face. And it means ensuring that neither William nor McKaylee Lawrence is ever permitted to own or care for an animal again.

We're calling on the Oswego County District Attorney's Office to prosecute William E. Lawrence and McKaylee J. Lawrence to the fullest extent of New York law and seek a permanent ban on animal ownership for both defendants.