DETROIT – The Michigan Humane Society's Cruelty Investigation Department is pursuing charges against a man who was found dragging a 3-month-old mastiff mix puppy by the leash on Friday

The owner of the puppy told MHS Cruelty investigators that the puppy was not responding to him while out walking near 8 Mile Road and Berg in Detroit.

Investigators were able to get the owner to surrender the puppy to MHS so he could receive much-needed medical treatment.



“Given that this was an intentional act that could have easily been prevented, we will be submitting charges to the Wayne County Prosecutor,” said Elise Ramsey, MHS Cruelty Investigator. “The puppy had severe abrasions under his belly, on all four legs, and even on his shoulders and face.”



The puppy, now named Elmer, is receiving care at the MHS Mackey Center for Animal Care in Detroit and will be available for adoption into a loving home once he is healed.



“Elmer is just a puppy and didn’t know yet how to properly walk on a leash,” said Dave McLeod, MHS Cruelty Investigator. “This type of abuse is not acceptable anywhere.”

Video provided by the MHS is below - warning, some of it's content may be disturbing to some: