On July 3, Sir Leander Evans Gamble confronted three renters on his Waldorf, Maryland property. The victims included a woman, her adult son, and his 8-month-pregnant girlfriend. According to the Charles County Sheriff's Office, Gamble physically assaulted them, then went inside his home, retrieved a handgun, pointed it at the victims and threatened to harm them.

Police arrested Gamble at the scene. A search warrant turned up six handguns inside his residence.

Then Animal Control arrived.

On the same property, officers discovered a collection of animals that would be alarming anywhere outside of a licensed facility: two alligators, a caiman, a snake, an emu, dogs, cats, and pigs. Animal Control determined the animals were being kept in conditions that violated Maryland animal cruelty statutes. All of them were removed.

Among the victims' allegations: a dog named Carter died because Gamble refused to provide air conditioning in the trailer where the tenants lived. Animal Control has not yet confirmed the cause of death, but the investigation is ongoing.

One victim, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, told FOX 5 DC that the experience left her traumatized and financially devastated. She was threatened at gunpoint and forced out of her home.

Gamble, 57, has been charged with aggravated assault and is being held without bond. Additional charges are pending.

That is not enough.

Sign this petition to demand:

• Full animal cruelty charges for every animal found to be neglected on the property
• A transparent investigation into the death of Carter the dog, including a confirmed cause of death
• Support and protection for the three victims who were forced from their home

Animals cannot speak for themselves. Carter already paid the price. Demand justice.