The Humane Society of Huron Valley is conducting an investigation into a suspected case of animal cruelty after a severely emaciated dog was discovered abandoned in Ypsilanti. The female bulldog mix, now named "Chickadee," was found last Sunday near the intersection of Chalmers Drive and Washtenaw Avenue by a good Samaritan and brought to the shelter. The dog weighed only 28 pounds, approximately half her normal weight, and was in dire need of medical attention, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
Authorities are still seeking information to identify the person or individuals behind this act of neglect. Tanya Hilgendorf, President and CEO of HSHV, expressed in a statement obtained by HSHV, "This sweet, gentle girl whom shelter staff have now lovingly named ‘Chickadee’ has clearly suffered and appears to have been starved to near death, but she’s safe now." Chickadee's plight has elicited a strong community response, with offers to adopt flooding in, even though she will first require a carefully managed feeding plan to safely gain weight back.
Community NPR station WEMU emphasized the availability of resources for pet owners facing difficulties. "We have programs like our Bountiful Bowls Program, which helps folks out with food--with pet food. When there is an emergency situation, we have help with veterinary care. All sorts of things to support pet owners and help keep them loving and caring for their animals," Wendy Welch, HSHV spokesperson, told WEMU.
The Humane Society's Cruelty and Rescue team is continuing to thoroughly investigate and is urging anyone who might have seen anything or recognize the dog to come forward. "Seeing cruelty like this is heartbreaking, but our community's compassion is stronger," Hilgendorf stated, according to CBS News Detroit. Meanwhile, HSHV is gratefully accepting donations to help provide continued care for Chickadee and other animals in their custody.
