A dog named Monroe is receiving medical treatment after suffering severe burns in Detroit, making it the second such case in recent weeks, raising concerns among animal advocates about a possible link between the incidents.
Similar Injuries Raise Questions
Monroe, a pitbull mix, was rescued by the Great Lakes Bully Brigade and brought to Woodhaven Animal Hospital after being acquired from Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC). The dog’s injuries resemble those of another dog, Memphis, who was doused with hot grease by its owner.
Dr. Lucretia Greear, who is tracking Monroe’s recovery, described the injuries as severe but noted that Monroe’s recovery is progressing. “The membrane has filled in this entire spot,” she said, indicating the ongoing healing process.
Community and Animal Advocacy Response
Both Monroe and Memphis were found in close proximity to each other, with Monroe discovered about three miles away from Memphis’ location. Community members in the area have expressed concern over the cruelty involved. Starlette Rowland, a local resident, emphasized the seriousness of the abuse: “If you’re doing this to an animal, what are you doing to other people? This is cruel.”
Despite the similarity in the injuries, DACC has not confirmed a connection between the two cases. However, animal advocates like Greear worry that the incidents might be related and call for further investigation.
Funding and Support for Medical Care
The Great Lakes Bully Brigade has already spent around $5,000 on medical treatment for Monroe and Memphis. To assist with costs, the Animal Resource Funding Foundation is matching donations. Ilona Parks from the foundation highlighted the severity of such abuse cases, stating, “We see some of the worst cases of abuse.”
Legal Concerns and Future Protection
While Monroe is expected to fully recover in a few weeks, there has been no investigation into the person responsible for the injuries, as DACC has yet to identify a suspect. Dr. Greear expressed concerns that such incidents will continue to occur until Michigan’s laws provide more stringent protection for animals. “For animal rights to really stick and have an impact… they can’t be viewed in the eyes of the law as property,” Greear stated.