Target: Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Wayne County, Michigan
Goal: Urge the establishment of a dedicated unit for animal abuse cases and increased funding to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
In Detroit, Michigan, there has been a significant rise in animal cruelty cases, with an almost 90% increase according to Michigan Incident Crime Reporting. Animal shelters and veterinarians are overwhelmed with the number of abused and neglected animals requiring urgent care. Dr. Lucretia Grear of Woodhaven Animal Hospital mentions that hardly a week goes by without dealing with some form of animal abuse or neglect.
Animals like Minnie, a tiny Chihuahua who lost an eye due to severe abuse, and Maddie, a German Shepherd who had to have her leg amputated after being dumped and hit by a car, are just two examples of the many animals suffering in the community. The financial strain on owners post-COVID-19 and lack of resources for proper pet care have contributed to this alarming situation.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy acknowledges the issue but cites resource constraints and an overabundance of other serious cases like homicides and domestic violence. Currently, her office does not have a dedicated unit for animal abuse cases, and most prosecuting offices don’t either. This lack of dedicated resources means that many animal cruelty cases may not receive the attention they require, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished.
More resources must be allocated to combat animal cruelty, including the establishment of a dedicated unit within the prosecutor’s office. Send a strong message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prosecutor Kym Worthy,
I am writing to express deep concern over the reported 90% increase in animal cruelty cases in Detroit and the surrounding areas. The rise in abuse and neglect of innocent animals like Minnie and Maddie is alarming and highlights the urgent need for dedicated resources to address this issue.
While I understand the challenges your office faces with an overabundance of serious cases, the lack of a dedicated unit for animal abuse allows many perpetrators to evade justice. Animal cruelty is not only a severe crime in itself but is often linked to other forms of violence and criminal behavior.
I urge you to consider establishing a dedicated unit within your office to handle animal abuse cases and to allocate the necessary resources to ensure these cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. By doing so, you will send a clear message that animal cruelty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Corey Seeman
