Protesters, media locked out of Detroit Animal Control

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For months, FOX 2 has been following charges of abuse and neglect levied against the facility but we haven't been allowed access. On Thursday, the owner of one dog being held at the DAC retrieved his canine and was met with cheers outside the facility.

One of Ian O'Neill's dog was shot by police and he arrived to pick up the body. But he says he was given the wrong dog when he arrived. Animal control officers still say they have no idea what really happened to that dog named Bruno.

"I just want my dog. That's all," O'Neill said.

Other dog owners and activists continue the push for answers, transparency and change. Dan Eleson is one of them and he blames DAC Director Harry Ward for the shelter falling into dismay.

"They used to have volunteers in this place, that's the first thing Harry Ward did was kicked them out," Eleson claims.

Detroit Animal Control agreed to release two dogs to the Mayor of Woodhaven, after she tried to rescue them earlier this week.

Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue also worked to rescue a dog shot Wednesday. Theresa Sumpter said she ran into the same issues.

"I don't understand it. Why is a dog that's injured sitting here at animal control not receiving any care?" Sumpter said.

As protesters rallied, the DAC relented and agreed to privately release the dog to the humane society.

The several dogs that made it out Thursday, now have a shot at a happy life. Still inside, 233 dogs, 13 cats, and 5 birds wait for the City of Detroit to make good on its promise to change animal control leadership facilities and procedures by January 1.