Eleven dogs were taken from a home in Palatka, Florida, after Putnam County deputies found them in alarming condition. A veterinarian who examined the dogs reportedly found them covered in parasites, and one dog was suffering with a broken leg.

The homeowner, 67-year-old Christine Woodworth, was first arrested on October 2 for animal abuse. On Saturday, deputies arrested her again on nine new charges. Those charges include torturing an animal or causing it serious pain, injury, or death, and keeping animals confined without enough food or water. She remains in jail without bond.

These dogs had no way to speak up for themselves. They depended on a person for food, water, and basic care, and according to the charges, they did not get it. Two arrests in less than three weeks show how serious this case is.

Everyone accused of a crime deserves a fair process. But cruelty cases can end with light penalties, and without a court order, a person convicted of abuse may be free to take in new animals. These dogs, and any animals in the future, deserve better than that.

The State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, which prosecutes cases in Putnam County, has the power to make this case count. Prosecutors should pursue every charge fully and, if there is a conviction, ask the court to ban Woodworth from owning or living with animals for life. Putnam County should also make sure all eleven rescued dogs receive complete veterinary care and go to safe, loving homes.

Sign the petition to demand justice for these eleven dogs and make sure no animal suffers in that home again.