A Shelby Township woman is facing criminal charges after police say they found a severely underweight dog left behind in a home she had vacated. Stacey Pollack has been charged with third-degree animal torture and a misdemeanor count of animal abandonment in connection with the case.
Welfare check found dog in poor condition
Shelby Township officers were called on March 5 to conduct a welfare check at a residence where Pollack had been living. Finding the front door improperly latched, officers went inside and heard barking upstairs. They discovered a dog behind a gate that they described as malnourished and underweight. Macomb County Animal Control removed the animal for veterinary evaluation, and a Detroit-area rescue group is now caring for the dog, according to The Detroit News.
Arraignment, bond and prosecutor's stance
Pollack was arraigned April 14 in 41A District Court, where a magistrate set bond at $10,000. As conditions of her release, Pollack must wear a steel-cuff tether and is barred from having contact with animals that can be considered pets. Court records indicate she asked the judge to appoint an attorney, and no lawyer was listed in the filings at the time of arraignment. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said his office would not tolerate the mistreatment of animals, according to The Detroit News. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 28.
Penalties and legal context
Under Michigan law, animal cruelty and abandonment statutes range from misdemeanors involving a single animal to felony charges in more serious situations. A misdemeanor count involving one animal can carry up to 93 days in jail, while felony cruelty charges can bring significantly harsher penalties depending on the circumstances. Courts may also order defendants to pay veterinary expenses and prohibit them from owning animals as part of sentencing, as outlined in the Michigan Penal Code and legal summaries from AnimalLaw.info.
Pollack is due back in 41A District Court on April 28 as prosecutors continue their investigation and the rescue group oversees treatment for the dog.
