In what began as a welfare check for an elderly woman on Friday, February 13, on Detroit’s east side, tragically turned out to be the discovery of 41 Yorkshire terrier mixes living in “deplorable” and “squalid” conditions.
Detroit Police arrived at the residence near Seven Mile to help the woman who had fallen and needed emergency hospitalization. While administering first aid, dozens of dogs were found living inside along with turtles.
Neighbors had often seen the elderly woman outside, but never knew about the number of dogs she had been keeping in dirty crates. Trash and food boxes were found outside the home.
The dogs ranged in ages from puppies to adult dogs. Many had matted coats. One severely underweight dog died after arriving at Detroit Animal Care & Control. Twenty of the dogs have been transferred to Michigan Humane Society in Westland and are caring for 19 others. One extremely small puppy has been sent to Bottle Babies Rescue to be bottle-fed.
All of the dogs are currently being examined and evaluated before being made available for foster homes and adoptions. After the mandatory hold, the dogs will be eligible to be adopted through DACC or transferred to rescue partners.
At this time Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control (FoDACC) are seeking foster homes to free up shelter space.
Donations for medical expenses, grooming, and food can be made to Detroit Animal Care and Control or Rebel Dogs Detroit
Information about adoption or fostering can be found on Detroit Animal Care and Control website.
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