Case Details
Share:

Case Snapshot
Case ID: 19285
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
More cases in Oakland County, MI
More cases in MI
Login to Watch this Case


Images for this Case



Dog loses leg from untreated wound
Waterford Township, MI (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Feb 10, 2012
County: Oakland

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged: Olivia Cortes

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Oakland County Animal Control is investigating a case of animal cruelty against a 10-month-old yellow Labrador puppy named Marley whose lower leg was missing its flesh, "leaving nothing but exposed bone," according to a police report. Marley was rushed to emergency surgery at the Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills to amputate his left front leg Friday, February 10.

"This is an unspeakable act against a very sweet puppy," said Dr. Jeffrey Fortna, veterinarian for Oakland Pet Adoption Center. "Fortunately, the prognosis is good and Marley should make a full recovery in about two to three weeks."

On January 26, Waterford Township Police were called to a residence on Jay Street on an unrelated issue when an officer noticed an injury to Marley's front left leg. The officer informed the owner she must seek medical attention for Marley. The owner promised to get Marley the help he needed. That care never happened.

Then on the evening of February 10, Waterford Police were once again called to the residence on an unrelated matter. Marley's owner was not present, but other family members were. The officer noticed the owner failed to get Marley proper medical care. Waterford Police then notified Oakland County Animal Control, who responded to the scene.

"Animals don't have anyone to defend them," said Waterford Township Police Chief Dan McCaw. "When you see people abusing an animal, please report it to your local authorities."

At this time, the cruelty case remains under investigation by Oakland County Animal Control, pending charges against Marley's owner. Meanwhile, the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center is seeking donations to help defray the costs of Marley's emergency surgery and subsequent care. Oakland Pet Adoption Center hopes to find Marley a loving home once he has fully recovered.

"Marley is very social, great with kids, cats and other dogs," said Deputy Christopher Klebba, the Oakland County Animal Control officer that responded to the call on Friday.

Those who wish to donate to help cover Marley's surgery and after care costs, please call (248) 391-4100.

For more information, please visit

Case Updates

Police are looking for a Waterford woman who is accused of neglecting her dog's wounds, forcing his leg to be amputated earlier this month.

A warrant for Olivia Cortes, 31, was signed Tuesday on charges of felony animal torture of Marley, a 10-month old Labrador retriever who gnawed his leg to the bone after a cut went untreated for at least two weeks.

Marley is recovering from surgery. After being neutered, the pup likely will go home with County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and his daughter Mary Warner, who has two young children. Warner said the dog's name held special meaning to her father. Her niece, daughter of Brooks Stuart Patterson, who died in 2007, is named Marley.

"He's a good-looking dog," said the elder Patterson. "He could use a little TLC."

Cortes, a medical professional, may be in Ohio or Canada, where Oakland County Animal Control officials believe she has family. She is only the second person in the county to be charged with felony animal abuse since case law on animal torture was established by Oakland County courts in a 2010 case brought by Animal Control.

"This dog lost its leg," said Mike Zehnder, director of public services for Oakland County. "Usually it's a misdemeanor. I'm not settling for a misdemeanor."

On Jan. 26, Waterford police were called to Cortes' residence on Jay Street on a child welfare check. An officer told Cortes that the dog's wound needed to be treated. Cortes agreed.

Then, on Feb. 10, Cortes' husband, Christopher Cortes, called police for help in retrieving their children from the home.

Cortes told police he and his wife were divorcing, and she had given her brother a note for him relinquishing her rights to their children. Officers came to the home, but Cortes wasn't there. They found Marley and called Animal Control. He was taken to emergency surgery that night.

According to Animal Control reports, on Feb. 17, Cortes' employer told police that she called into work, and that was the last time they heard from her.

Waterford Police Chief Dan McCaw said those with information can call police anonymously at 248-674-2677 or 248-673-0351.
Source: freep.com - Feb 29, 2012
Update posted on Mar 18, 2012 - 5:00PM 

References

  • « MI State Animal Cruelty Map
    « More cases in Oakland County, MI

    Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

    For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.



    Send this page to a friend
© Copyright 2001-2012 Pet-Abuse.Com. All rights reserved. Site Map ¤ Disclaimer ¤ Privacy Policy