Nineteen chihuahuas and chihuahua mixes were removed from a home in Willow Spring, North Carolina, after Wake County Animal Control was called out to check on them. Their owner, a 57-year-old woman, now faces 10 counts of animal cruelty. The Wake County District Attorney’s Office should prosecute every count and ask the court to ban her from owning or caring for animals in the future.

These small dogs now face a long road. Longleaf Animal Rescue, which took in 10 of them, said most weighed less than 10 pounds when they arrived. According to the county shelter, many need major dental work, plus vaccines, bloodwork, spay and neuter surgeries, and basic supplies. Animal Services Director Jennifer Federico, who was there for the seizure, said conditions inside the home were very poor.

“They are safe. But now the real work begins,” the Wake County shelter posted on Facebook.

Rescuers and neighbors have stepped up fast. Longleaf found 10 foster homes after a community plea. Still, these dogs face a long recovery, and a light outcome in court would send the wrong message to anyone keeping more animals than they can care for.

A conviction on its own does not keep animals out of the same hands. A court-ordered ban on owning animals is one of the clearest ways to protect pets in the future.

The Wake County District Attorney’s Office has the power to pursue all 10 counts and to seek that ban as part of any sentence.

Sign the petition to demand full justice for these 19 chihuahuas while the case is still before the court.