Dog dragged from bike with cord around neck on Detroit's west side

DETROIT (WJBK) - Animal advocates are searching for a suspect after a dog was dragged on a bike then brutally beaten until witnesses stepped in to save the unconscious animal.

Detroit Pit Crew says they received a frantic phone call Wednesday afternoon from nearly a dozen neighbors on Beard Street near Chatfield on Detroit's west side.

They say they witnessed a man riding his bike while dragging a roughly 7- or 8-year-old dog violently across the pavement, with an extension cord around his neck.

The dog is a German Shepard mix now named Justice.

"We would like to see someone go to jail for this," said Theresa Sumpter, Detroit Pit Crew.

"For someone to do that to an animal doesn't have a heart or a soul," said witness Linda Hoskins.

Hoskins witnessed the horrific abuse, along with several other neighbors, calling police and Detroit Animal Care and Control.

"He kept hitting the dog with the bike," she said. "He kept yelling at it get up come on let's go."

Detroit Pit Crew director Theresa Sumpter rushed over.

"After losing consciousness, he jumped on his bike and rode off," she said. Sumpter took Justice to Centerline Veterinary Hospital.

Centerline Veterinary Hospital Owner Dr. Gary Duchan said Justice has some older arthritis in his back and that his thick fur likely saved his life, preventing damage to his skin.

Doctors also realized Justice has had a rough go, discovering what appears to be a bullet inside his abdomen.

"He is doing remarkably well thank God," Duchan said. "He seems like a really nice dog."

Witnesses describe the man dragging Justice as a white male in his late 40s with a shaved head or very thin hair, about 5 feet, 8 inches and around 180 pounds. They say he was wearing a white T-shirt and had noticeable marks on his face.

Sumpter said investigators spoke to witnesses and are looking for the suspect. Justice is starting to heal before a new forever home will be sought.

"He deserves better and we want to make sure his future is bright," she said. "And that somebody pays for what they did to him."

Detroit Pit Crew is offering a $2,000 reward to find the person who hurt Justice. If you would like to donate, go to DetroitPitCrew.com.

Centerline veterinary hospital can be reached at 586-758-5620. Tips/Detroit pit crew: 248-906-9022.