Charlie Langton: Ace Is A Little Dog Digging Up A Big Problem

Ace will change government in Detroit. Ace is a stray malnourished pittbull that was found last week at an Ace Hardware store in Detroit. The Detroit Animal Control was called, took the dog, and will hold it for four days in an effort to try to find its owner.

If no owner is found, the dog will be killed.

The "policy" for abandoned dogs is to attempt to adopt them out or give them to the Michigan Humane Society. In practice, however, most dogs, especially pittbulls, are put down the moment they are captured. What is disturbing about Ace is that Ace may have been put down before the four-day waiting period was over.

If that's the case (I hope it's not) somebody must investigate the Detroit Animal Control Department. I am well aware of the literally thousands of stray dogs captured in Detroit every year- and it's a problem. But to simply kill dogs without having the opportunity for other rescues, concerned citizens, or just plain animal lovers to come take these dogs and save their lives is bad policy.

Attempts have been made to get a response from the powers-that-be at Detroit Animal Control but answers are few and far between. Detroit simply must do a better job in adopting out animals. What's the big deal? If people want the dog, assuming the owner hasn't come forward or doesn't want it, give them the dog.  If a rescue organization or a responsible pet owner can save the life of a dog, go for it! Detroit seems to be bogged down in silly policies while dogs are dying. This is outrageous!

Hush, of the Detroit Dog Rescue organization, is a good example of a concerned citizen stepping up to the plate and rescuing dogs. In the process, he not only gives homes to dogs, but takes the burden off the city to allow the city to focus on other issues. Ace will be the poster dog for true citizen involvement in the often dog-eat-dog political process.

To listen to Charlie's podcast with Hush: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/audio-on-demand/charlie-langton/

For more information about Ace: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Divas-Pit-Bull-Rescue/186686004686267#!/pages/Save-Ace/270120956356507

For more information about Detroit Dog Rescue and how you can help: http://www.detroitdogrescue.com/