Four dogs and a duck are safe tonight because Greenville County deputies refused to look away. Responding to a trespassing call behind a business on Hunts Bridge Road, South Carolina, the Homeless Response Unit found a homeless encampment where several animals were living without food or water. Two of the animals had rope tied around their necks that deputies had to cut free. The duck's wings appeared to have been clipped, leaving it unable to fly to safety.

Deputies say the animals belonged to Matthew Earl Kessens, who was also found with methamphetamine. He now faces trespassing, multiple rabies tag violations, five counts of ill treatment of animals, and a third-offense drug charge, according to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. It is not yet known whether Kessens has prior related convictions beyond what officials disclosed.

Cruelty charges only matter if they're followed through. This petition calls on the Solicitor for South Carolina's 13th Judicial Circuit to pursue the full ill treatment of animals charges against Kessens without a plea deal that erases the cruelty counts, and calls on Greenville County Animal Care to guarantee that the four dogs and the duck are placed in permanent, loving homes rather than returned to anyone connected to this case.

Animals can't testify to what was done to them. A rope around the neck and clipped wings speak for themselves. Sign the petition to demand full prosecution and lasting safety for these animals, before the next encampment case ends differently.