I find it curious that these men were witnessed by a 16 y/o living at the residence where the animals were, and nowhere does it say he reported this incident to an adult.
If I had seen something like that during my youth, the first thing I would do would have been to tell my parents.
What are we to surmise?
That perhaps one of these men is related to the 16y/o?
Maybe that is why this boy is now in protective custody.
Some family members may be furious with him for spilling the beans. Sometimes Snitches Do Get Stitches, if they don’t take precautions.
Didn’t tell an adult?
That is how this story broke!
He told police.