FERNDALE, Mich. – A 25-year-old man is facing animal torture charges after reportedly cutting the ears off a puppy with scissors.
According to authorities, police in Ferndale received a 911 call just after midnight Friday, June 6, regarding a crying animal near Woodward Avenue and Bennett Street. The caller reportedly said they saw a man place a small animal inside a garbage bag.
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When police arrived at the scene, they reportedly found 25-year-old Curtis Christophr-Ray Martin near his vehicle, with the hatchback open.
Police said they found a 3-month-old puppy that had its ears cut off in the trunk with a garbage bag over its head. They allegedly found scissors and “surgical supplies” and a significant amount of blood inside the vehicle.
Martin reportedly ran off, but was taken into custody after an officer caught up to him on foot. He has been charged with killing/torturing an animal and two counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
He was given a $100,000 cash bond and is scheduled to return to court June 16.
The puppy was taken to an animal hospital, where it was treated for its wounds. It will be turned over to Oakland County Animal Control to continue treatment until it is healthy enough to be adopted.
“We are thankful for the vigilance of the 911 caller and the swift action of our patrol officers in rescuing this puppy,” said Ferndale Police Deputy Chief David Spellman. “This is a disturbing act of cruelty.”
In Michigan, it is a felony to intentionally kill or torture an animal. Penalties for torturing or killing an animal can vary in severity in Michigan and can be impacted by many factors, including whether the animal is a pet or a companion animal. Someone convicted of animal cruelty as a form of domestic violence can face up to 10 years in prison.
