Necropsy results shed new light on dog abuse case in Sylvan Township

By Lee Higgins Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.

Two dogs euthanized last month after they were allegedly attacked with a hatchet while bound each suffered a single pelvis-fracturing blow, newly released records show.

The dogs, a 9-month-old Rottweiler-hound mix named Bella and a 5-year-old shepherd mix named Buddy, were found severely injured on March 9 in Sylvan Township.

Bella, a 9-month-old Rottweiler-Hound mix died after she was attacked with a hatchet, investigators said.

According to investigators, the dogs were reported missing that morning and were found roughly six-and-a-half hours apart by the same woman near Garvey and Pierce roads. The woman had driven through the intersection twice that day.

Necropsy results obtained from Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Center for Population & Animal Health shed some light on the dogs' injuries.

According to the results obtained by AnnArbor.com under the Freedom of Information Act, each dog suffered a fractured pelvis after being struck once in the right hip area. It's possible that 64-pound Bella was hit more than once, reports say, based on the extent of the fractures.

Results show Bella's wound was 6.3 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 2 inches deep. As for 104-pound Buddy, his wound was 11.8 inches long and roughly 3 inches deep. The width of his wound was not noted. Investigators believe a large cleaver, ax or hatchet was used in the attacks, reports say.

Results also show that bruising was found around Bella's left hind leg and both of Buddy's hind legs. The bruising, reports say, suggests that a rope or some type of tether had been recently used to keep the animals still.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley continues to investigate and is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible, said the group’s executive director, Tanya Hilgendorf. Investigators do not have new details to release, Hilgendorf said Thursday. Anyone with information can call the Humane Society's anonymous tip line at (734) 661-3551.