Humane Society Seeks Justice For Puppy Dragged Down Detroit Street

DETROIT (CBS Detroit)– The investigation started when the Michigan Humane Society Cruelty Investigation Department got a call about a puppy leaving a trail of blood down the street as he was dragged unwillingly on the hot, rough cement by the leash around his neck.

Now, the Humane Society is pursuing charges against the man who was found dragging the 3-month-old mastiff mix puppy on Friday, July 15, near 8 Mile Road and Berg in Detroit.

"When we got there, he was pretty lethargic, wasn't too interested in food or water," a cruelty investigator said. "We actually thought he might be dead."

Turns out, he was just traumatized and terrified of humans.

The owner of the puppy told MHS Cruelty Investigators that the puppy was not responding to him while out walking on a leash for the first time, and that is why he decided to drag him.

Investigators were able to get the owner to surrender the puppy to MHS so he could receive much-needed medical treatment.

"Given that this was an intentional act that could have easily been prevented, we will be submitting charges to the Wayne County Prosecutor," said Elise Ramsey, MHS Cruelty Investigator. "The puppy had severe abrasions under his belly, on all four legs, and even on his shoulders and face."

The puppy, now named Elmer, is receiving care at the MHS Mackey Center for Animal Care in Detroit and will be available for adoption into a loving home once he is healed.

"Elmer is just a puppy and didn't know yet how to properly walk on a leash," said Dave McLeod, MHS Cruelty Investigator. "This type of abuse is not acceptable anywhere."