Residents of Perry County, Ohio, say dogs at a property in Junction City are being hurt and neglected. Photos shared with a local news station appear to show one dog so thin that its bones are visible, and another being lifted off the ground by the skin. Several neighbors say they have watched a man harm the dogs there, and they want it to end.

One dog was surrendered to the Perry County Dog Warden on Sunday, November 1. Perry County Prosecutor Terry Rugg says he expects the dog warden’s report soon and will review it for possible charges. The dog warden has received thousands of emails about the case.

A charging decision can take time. Any animals still living at the property can’t wait for it. It hasn’t been made public how many dogs remain there or what shape they are in.

The Perry County Dog Warden and the Perry County Sheriff’s Office can act now, using the authority they already have. They can check on every animal at the property, make sure each one has food, clean water, shelter and veterinary care, and remove any animal that is in danger. Regular public updates on the animals’ welfare would show residents that the case is being taken seriously.

Concern for these dogs belongs in official channels. Prosecutor Rugg has asked for threats to stop, and threats only slow down the people doing this work. A petition is a peaceful way to show how many people care about what happens next.

Sign the petition to ask Perry County officials to protect every dog at this property now, while the investigation moves forward.