Five dogs in Brockway, Pennsylvania, were allegedly left so hungry that their ribs and hip bones showed through their skin. The person charged with caring for them now faces 15 counts of animal neglect, and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office must decide how seriously to pursue them.

Police found the dogs during an August 10 welfare check, after someone reported social media photos of thin dogs. Inside the home, officers reported a heavy smell of urine and ammonia, soiled floors, filthy cages and dirty food bowls. Puppies and adult dogs were kept together in a single bedroom. None of the dogs were vaccinated or licensed, according to police.

After the dogs were surrendered to Willow Run Sanctuary, a veterinarian examined them. Two scored just 2 out of 9 on the body condition scale, meaning they were emaciated, and both had flea infestations that had gone untreated. A third dog put weight back on so fast once it was fed that the vet concluded it had been starved. The other two were underweight and gained several pounds once they finally had enough to eat.

The case goes before Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana for a preliminary hearing on December 10. These dogs cannot speak for themselves. The District Attorney’s Office should pursue every charge filed, and any conviction or plea deal should include a court order barring the defendant from owning or caring for animals. Real accountability means making sure this never happens to another animal.

Sign the petition before the December 10 hearing to demand full charges and an animal ownership ban in the Brockway case.