Detroit Man Charged After His Abandoned Dogs To Freeze To Death: Prosecutor

DETROIT — A Detroit man is facing charges after he abandoned three of his dogs, with two of the dogs freezing to death, according to prosecutors.

Martell George, 39, was charged with three counts of second-degree killing/torturing animals (seven-year felony), two counts of abandoning/cruelty to one animal resulting in death (one-year misdemeanor) and one count of animals-abandoning/cruelty to one animal (93-day misdemeanor).

He was placed in jail and given a $100,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 29.

Detroit Animal Care and Control officials found three abandoned dogs at a home in the 11780 block of Kennebec last Thursday, prosecutors said.

Two of the dogs were dead, while the surviving dog was severely neglected and required emergency medical care, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said George neglected and abandoned the dogs in the cold.

"It is alleged that this defendant left his dogs without food or water in the cold and two of them froze to death. Another of his dogs that survived was found emaciate and suffering in the cold. This is a crime," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "It is a shame that we have to explain this to people. Animals are sentient beings that must be cared for. They cannot withstand the freezing cold. Just like people they must be protected during this extremely cold winter season."