michigan – Page 2 – My Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniel club president sues humane society

The incident began on April 12, 2011 when Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) investigator, Matt Schaecher, executed a search warrant at a North Harris Road home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Harris was responding to an animal cruelty complaint. Thirty dogs, mostly cocker spaniels, were seized by the humane society. Owners Ralph and Melinda Hart failed to provide a kennel license as well as licenses for the dogs. Melinda Hart is the president of the Detroit Cocker Spaniel Club and owner of Hartline Cockers.

The humane society claims the Harts kept their cocker spaniels in the garage stacked on top of each other in cages only letting them out to urinate and defecate. “They don’t dispute they’re keeping the dogs in cages stacked on top of each other,” said Susan Kornfield, attorney for the HSHV. No animal cruelty charges were filed although the Harts signed a field release statement. In the agreement, seventeen dogs would be returned if the Harts obtained a kennel license and licenses for the returned dogs.

None of the dogs were reportedly ill from mistreatment although the HSHV euthanized three cocker spaniels–apparently they couldn’t find anyone to adopt them. The Harts’ lawsuit filed June 27, 2011 sought return of their cocker spaniels adopted out by HSHV however the motion was denied in a Washtenaw county court. One of the cocker spaniels reportedly belonged to the Harts’ son.

Missing Cocker Spaniel in Wixom, MI

Jarod Netchey is desperately searching for Murphy, his seventeen-year-old black cocker spaniel, who went missing last Friday. He is not microchipped and has no collar. He was reportedly seen on Wixom and Charms Road in Milford, Michigan. Murphy is frail and old with poor vision and poor sight. Murphy is also on medication. Netchey has been standing at the Wixom and Charms intersection passing out fliers about Murphy almost every day. “That’s why I am here. He would look for me until he couldn’t walk anymore, and I feel like I should do the same for him.” Please call Jarod Netchey if you have any information: (248) 255-5132

Anchor Bay, Lake St. Clair, MI

Me and Hoshi were looking for a park along Lake St. Clair that allowed dogs. We past up two park that weren’t dog friendly until we found one for Hoshi. I forgot the name but have the location on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.677861,-82.735677,16z

More cocker spaniels found in Salem Township

Cockapoos — Abandoned cockapoos: Photo Huron Valley Humane Society

Two more cocker spaniels were found in Salem Township, Michigan since last reported for a total of eleven dogs. Among the eleven are two buff cockapoos. Concerned citizens have located and brought the remaining abandoned cockers to the Huron Valley Humane Society. Three cockers have been adopted including one with special needs–a senior dog with blindness. “A women drove an hour and a half to adopt that dog, to give it a chance for a happy home” said Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of the humane society. Hilgendorf also says adoption applications are pending on others. Hilgendorf is urging those who can no longer care for their pets to call for assistance before taking matters into their own hands: “if you are a loving pet owner and run into hard times, come talk to us.”

Purebred cockers found along road in Michigan

Motorists have been spotting purebred cocker spaniels along 5 Mile Road and Salem in Salem Township, Michigan since April 1st. Nine have been found so far ages 6-12 years old. The cockers vary in appearance; brown, black, buff, and brown partis. All but one appear to be female. According to veterinarian Carrie Allen, “All are in horribly neglectful states, with overgrown, badly matted feces-covered fur. It appears that they have been housed in small cages amidst their own waste.” She also said the females show signs of being heavily bred. Matt Schaecher of the Huron Valley Humane Society said, “The dogs were dumped and left to fend for themselves. It’s disturbing to see dogs discarded because someone decided they could no longer be used to make a profit.” He suspects the dogs were dumped by a breeder.

All dogs are described as sweet. Anyone interested in adoption can call (734) 662-5585. Some will require special needs. The Huron Valley Humane Society is offering a $500 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible. You can call them anonymously at (734) 661-3551.