It started on a day like any other, but it quickly spiraled into a nightmare. A 39-year-old woman was subject to a harrowing attack inside her very own home in Hazel Park Michigan. She was brutally attacked and then dragged into her driveway by her three large dogs. The trigger for this unforeseen aggression was simple yet tragic: the introduction of a stray puppy into her home.  This kind woman wanted to save dogs. But the dogs were not registered as she was only allowed a certain number of dogs, and the puppy exceeded the legal limit. This puppy was a stray she rescued. She wouldn't want dogs killed. 

This nightmare involved two pit bulls and one Presa Canario, breeds that are often misunderstood and unfairly labeled as dangerous. In the chaos that ensued, a responding officer attempted to de-escalate the situation by deploying a Taser twice, but it proved ineffective. In a terrifying turn of events, one of the dogs retaliated and injured the officer, causing a serious bite wound to her thigh.  The dog was shot.  Halloween is a frightening time for dogs, with strange costumes and the doorbell ringing with food being handed out.  These dogs were in sensory overload and the police made it worse.

While the incident was undeniably tragic, it is imperative to address the burning question: Should the other two dogs face euthanization for what could be a preventable situation? Dogs that are often stigmatized need comprehensive evaluations, not automatic condemnation.

The true issue lies in our systems: from the initial management of stray dogs to the methods employed by officers when handling such situations. There is an urgent need to review and revise the protocols that dictate how animals are managed during emergencies. Additionally, implementing training programs for law enforcement on the use of non-lethal tools and humane handling can prevent such catastrophes in the future.

Furthermore, the community and pet owners need access to resources that help in understanding and mitigating breed-specific behaviors and risks. Public awareness initiatives and responsible pet ownership programs play critical roles in preventing these kinds of tragedies.

The time has come for us to act. Let us demand a change in how these situations are managed and ensure all dogs are given a fair evaluation. Together, we can advocate for policies that save lives and promote safety. Join me in calling for an end to quick judgments that lead to loss of life, and help initiate a more compassionate and educated approach to animal management.

Please sign this petition to prevent the unjust euthanization of innocent dogs and improve protocols for law enforcement handling of animal incidents.

The email address for the Hazel Park Animal Control Shelter is hpshelter@gmail.com (with an alternative reference of hpac48030@gmail.com).

Contact & Location Information

• Email: hpshelter@gmail.com

• Phone: (248) 546-4096 (By appointment only)

• After Hours & Police Dispatch: (248) 542-6161 (Ext. 0)

• Address: 24211 Couzens Ave, Hazel Park, MI 48030 (inside the DPW Yard)