Authorities found two more decapitated dogs on March 24, 2006 -- a yellow Labrador retriever and a rottweiler. Both appeared to be family pets.
"Clearly this is someone who's mentally disturbed and a danger to the community and someone we hope to find very soon," said Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor.
There is a $5,800 reward for information. Call 734-662-5585 anytime. Contact BEN SCHMITT at 313-223-4296 or [email protected]
Case UpdatesThree weeks since the last report of a dead dog in their neighborhoods, residents of eastern Washtenaw County had begun to breathe easier.
But then they learned that authorities have stopped reporting deaths.
Now the residents are worried anew.
"I feel people should know about it," said Terry Morgan, 44, who has a Rottweiler and German shepherd. "I want to know about it."
The Humane Society of Huron Valley had reported earlier that nine dogs were discovered during an 11-day span last month within a three-mile radius in Superior Township. Four of the nine dogs had been decapitated.
On Friday, an investigator with the Humane Society declined to say whether any more dogs have been discovered since the end of the 11-day stretch.
The investigator, Julie Curtis, said she wanted to keep the information confidential as authorities sift through tips in the case.
"The media has to understand that we don't want to harm our case," she said.
But residents of Superior Township said they should know whether more dogs have been found so they can react accordingly.
Jamie Wright, 26, a handyman, said he has begun to allow his Labrador to run more freely since the end of reports of dog deaths. He wouldn't have done so if he knew of more deaths.
"We need to protect ourselves," he said.
Township Supervisor William McFarlane, who declined to comment on the Humane Society's action, said he has heard from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office that no dogs have been discovered in the three weeks.
The Sheriff's Office, which is assisting the Humane Society in the investigation, wasn't immediately available for comment.
While the Humane Society keeps mum about the probe, it continues to receive attention around the world.
After hearing about the animals, comedian Brett Butler, who lives in the Hollywood Hills, offered to do a public service announcement for the Humane Society.
Butler, who was the star of the TV sitcom "Grace Under Fire" from 1993 to 1998, taped the announcement but it wasn't known when it will air.
Also, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, based in Washington, donated $2,500 to a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. The award has been capped at $20,000.
Humane Society officials said they've received phone calls from around the world, including Japan. People have offered support and concern.
"We're deeply touched by the outpouring of support," said Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of the Humane Society.
Investigators are trying to determine where the dogs are from and how they died.
The sheriff's office believes the animals came from outside the township, said McFarlane, whose township has a contract with the sheriff for law enforcement services.
None of the nine dogs has been linked to local residents with missing pets.
Necropsies have been performed on the animals, but authorities declined to say what they revealed.
Investigators have received 300 tips in the case and are continuing to work through them.
The sheriff's office has pointed out that it's possible that all the dogs weren't intentionally killed. Some may have been dumped in the area after dying from natural causes or after getting stuck in a trap. | Source: Detroit News - April 16, 2006
Update posted on Apr 17, 2006 - 3:27PM |
If you have information on this case, please contact:
Ben Schmitt
734-662-5585
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