A dog left on the balcony of a Miami high-rise for several days was malnourished by the time anyone stepped in. Neighbors raised concerns, and the owner was later arrested, according to NBC Miami. Cases like this are exactly why the Miami City Commission needs to approve stronger animal cruelty penalties at its October 22 meeting.

City leaders have placed a package of ordinances on the agenda that would add more than $2,000 to the fines people pay for animal cruelty. The proposals would also modernize the city’s leash rules and its standards for how animals must be cared for. Commissioner Damian Pardo says the measures are a direct response to the balcony case and to a steady stream of complaints from residents.

“We get pretty consistent streams of emails from residents reporting people throwing dogs into the water and a general upsurge in recent animal cruelty activity,” Pardo told WLRN.

A new Florida law, House Bill 559, gives cities the power to raise fines and penalties for animal cruelty. Miami has the authority to act. The only question is whether commissioners will use it.

Bigger fines only matter if they are enforced. Along with a yes vote, the Commission should make sure resident reports get a fast response and that people who abuse animals again and again face real consequences. Animals cannot call for help. Neighbors who speak up deserve a system that answers.

Miami’s animals are depending on this vote. Sign the petition to tell the Miami City Commission to pass tougher animal cruelty penalties on October 22, before another animal is left to suffer.