Expand / Collapse search
☰

Detroit Dog Rescue says 'unreal' increase of dogs chained and abandoned

Published 
News
FOX 2 Detroit

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Detroit Dog Rescue saved a dog's life Monday that had been chained to a fence for most of its life. Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a growing and disturbing trend in Detroit.

DDR was called by the family that owned Domino. They said money was tight and they needed food for the growing pit-bull so the no-kill shelter responded to help.

Something was immediately obviously wrong.

Kristina Rinaldi, executive director of Detroit Dog Rescue said the dog had obviously been chained up for a long time.

"We noticed deformities beginning in the legs. Domino was chained for the most part of his life. Great family but not not educated when it comes to law," Rinaldi said.

In the city of Detroit, an animal is allowed to be tethered outdoor but for no longer than three hours per day. The dog must also be actively monitored and have food and water available.

The city ordinance provides animal control officers with the power to confiscate an animal that's improperly tethered. In this case, Domino's family surrendered him to the shelter.

DDR did not say how long Domino had been tied to the fence but he has a long road ahead of him. In just a few weeks, Domino will have surgery and get back on track.

"It's really hard for him to sit, get back up. All the things that a normal three-year-old should be able to do easily it's hard for Domino," Rinaldi said. "We're going to move his patellas and straighten out his hips and knees so he can have a great quality of life."

The surgery is costly but Domino isn't alone. DDR says there are many others like him and Rinaldi said the increased cases is 'unreal'.

"There's thousands. Detroit has made great strides but we still have a neglect epidemic in Detroit," she said. "But most of it is because of lack of education."

The goal is to get Domino in a loving and supportive home so he can get the care be needs. Detroit Dog Rescue says that's where you come in. You can learn more about DDR by contacting them here.