Emaciated dog thrown from moving vehicle - Frankenmuth, MI

Friday, Aug 14, 2015

County: Saginaw

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 4 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Police believe a malnourished dog was thrown from a moving vehicle near Frankenmuth and left for dead. An animal cruelty investigation is under way.

About 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, Frankenmuth Police officers on patrol saw a "severely emaciated and dehydrated dog" in a ditch in the area of Reimer and Baker Roads, in Frankenmuth Township, according to the department.

"The male pit bull mix appeared to have been thrown from a moving vehicle into a ditch and was near death," the Frankenmuth Police Department said in a statement.

Saginaw County Animal Control officers assisted Frankenmuth police and transported the dog to a Saginaw area veterinary facility, where it was in stable condition on Friday, police said.

"The FPD will utilize every resource available to identify the suspect(s) and move forward with criminal charges," a Frankenmuth Police Department statement reads.

Anyone with information about the dog or its former owner is asked to contact Frankenmuth Detective Flathau at 989-652-8371, extension 161.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Detective Randy Flathau
989-652-8371, ext. 161

Case Updates

A week after a neglected, emaciated dog was found in a Frankenmuth ditch and rescued, the hunt for information on who threw the dog out of a moving vehicle continues. The Humane Society of the United States announced Friday, Aug. 21, a $5,000 reward for information on whomever is responsible for committing the act that officials say could carry charges of animal cruelty. Initially found by Frankenmuth police the morning of Friday, Aug. 14, in serious condition, the Saginaw County Animal Care Center said the pit bull mix's health continues to improve. Rescue officials have named the dog "Lucky." "He's doing pretty well," said Animal Control Officer Leigh Nacy. Nacy explained that Lucky is still lodged at a veterinarian's office to continue the recovery process. "I know his feet are still wrapped up and he is learning how to walk," she said. "He can't really walk because his feet are so sore." Nacy describes Lucky's attitude while recovering as "happy." While Lucky focuses on recovery, police and the Humane Society of the United States focus on the person or persons responsible for abandoning the dog. "It takes a truly callous person to starve and neglect a small, defenseless dog and then discard him like trash along the side of the road," said Jill Fritz, the Michigan senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States in a statement regarding the case. Fritz said she hopes the $5,000 reward will help to bring answers. Anyone with information about the dog or former owners is urged to contact Frankenmuth Detective Randy Flathau at 989-652-8371, ext. 161. Police have said they will work to pursue criminal charges if a suspect is found. The Humane Society of the United States offer rewards as a way to bring awareness to animal cruelty, according to Fritz. "Every case of cruelty is important, but The Humane Society of the United States offers rewards when we feel we can make a significant impact based on the circumstances of the case shared with us by law enforcement," Fritz said in a written statement. Recently, the organization offered rewards in Bay County for information on a cat named Ace who was intentionally blinded and a dog named Whitey who was shot. For more information on the Humane Society of the United States and animal crueltySource: mLive - Aug 21, 2015 Update posted on Aug 21, 2015 - 2:44PM

When Frankenmuth police officers spotted a dirty white dog lying in a roadside ditch on Friday, Aug. 14, the dog's life was already in serious danger due to dehydration and severe emaciation. The pit bull mix, now safely in stable condition after receiving veterinary care, has been given the name "Lucky." Saginaw Animal Control Officer Leigh Nacy visited the dog Monday morning, Aug. 17. "He's doing great," Nacy said. "He got a bath, so he's actually white now." She said the dog was wearing a black nylon collar and was covered in dirt and feces when police and animal control officers found him in a roadside ditch. "His feet are still all wrapped up because there are so many sores on them," Nacy said. Police came upon the dog at about 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, near the intersection of Reimer and Baker roads in Frankenmuth Township, according to a press release from the Frankenmuth Police Department. "The male pit bull mix appeared to have been thrown from a moving vehicle into a ditch, and was near death," the release states. Lucky later was found to weigh about 15 pounds, about 20-30 pounds underweight, Nacy said. After being treated by a veterinarian, Lucky is now in stable condition and recovering, she said. Nacy said the dog had to be put onto a schedule to ensure his stomach does not expand too quickly. "He's eating pretty well," she said. This Frankenmuth Police Department has opened a criminal investigation into possible animal cruelty charges. "The Frankenmuth Police Department will utilize every resource available to identify the suspect(s) and move forward with criminal charges," the press release states. If anyone has any information about the dog or former owners, please contact Frankenmuth Detective Randy Flathau at 989-652-8371, ext. 161. Nacy said Lucky was given the name by animal control staff because he was so close to death when he was found. When she visited him Monday, she said he looked up and wagged his tail whenever someone talked to him. Nacy took it a sign that Lucky's recovery will continue, and that he is an amazing animal. "He's just a happy little guy," she said.

Source: mLive - Aug 17, 2015 Update posted on Aug 21, 2015 - 2:43PM

References

• « MI State Animal Cruelty Map
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