DETROIT – What started as a police wellness check Friday ended with animal control officers removing 41 small dogs from what officials described as “deplorable conditions” inside an east side Detroit home.
---> Detroit animal control rescues 40 dogs during welfare check on east side
Crystal Perkins, Director of General Services, said Detroit police went to the home on Liberal for a wellness check and discovered dozens of dogs living inside. Officials also confirmed turtles were found in the home.
Dozens of dirty crates, garbage and food boxes were discovered outside the home. Neighbors told Local 4 they were sad to hear about the situation and never knew their neighbor had that many dogs. They report seeing her outside but never seeing the animals outside the home.
The dogs ranged in age “from puppies that are just born up to adults,” and appear to all be Yorkie-mixes. Some had matted hair, and officials are still evaluating their health.
Detroit Animal Care and Control told Local 4 they transferred 20 of the dogs to Michigan Humane Society in Westland and are caring for 19 others. One of the dogs was so small that it had to be sent to Bottle Babies Rescue to be bottle-fed. One died at DACC.
“Unfortunately, we had one that was severely underweight and did not survive the two days that we had,” Perkins said. “So, we did lose one dog already.”
Perkins said DACC is working with rescue partners to manage the influx and it’s an “all hands on deck” situation. The priority, she said, was making sure every animal was safely removed. Crews were at the home most of the day Friday and returned Saturday.
“We wanted to make sure no puppies were hiding anywhere -- that no dogs were missed,” Perkins said.
Veterinary staff are now examining the dogs for health concerns, and behavioral evaluations will follow before the animals are cleared for adoption or fostering.
The Detroit Police Department and the DACC are continuing to investigate the situation.
“Just imagine that many animals in a house, and you know what you just described as deplorable conditions,” Perkins said. “Some of them have matted hair. We want to make sure they’re not in pain.”
The remaining dogs are under a mandatory seven to 10-day hold. During that period, staff assesses medical and behavioral needs so potential adopters can be properly informed.
Once the hold expires, the dogs will either be adopted through DACC or transferred to rescue partners if additional care is needed. Smaller dogs often require more attention than a large shelter can provide, Perkins said.
DACC is receiving help so far from I Heart Dogs, K-9 Stray Rescue League, the Michigan Humane Society, Saving Destiny, Furever Tails Rescue, Great Lakes Dog Rescue, Underdog Rescue Ranch, and PeaceLove and Paws Rescue.
“Feel free to reach out to the shelter,” she said. “If you’re willing to open up your home, open up your heart to help foster a dog.”
Even short-term fostering -- taking a dog to a park or on a day outing -- can help, she said. “Doing that helps the mental health and the well-being of the dog.”
And for those not ready to foster or adopt, she added, “We can always use more volunteers.”
Information about adoption or fostering can be found on the official Detroit Animal Care and Control website.