Oakland Co. Man Beaten To Death After Trying To Save Abused Dog From Its Owner: Report

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI — A Madison Heights man, who was known for rescuing animals, was beaten to death on Christmas Eve while trying to save a helpless dog from being abused by its owner, according to news reports.

Robert Cavanaugh, 60, was found severely beaten at 7:39 p.m. in the 26000 block of Dequindre in Madison Heights on Tuesday, according to police.

He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died, according to police.

Police said Cavanaugh suffered from blunt force trauma, though the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office was still trying to determine the cause and manner of death.

A person was arrested in connection with the killing, but police did release any further information about the suspect. Police will turn over their findings to the prosecutor's office for potential charges.

Witnesses told Fox 2 Detroit that Cavanaugh was riding his bike in the mobile home community where he saw a neighbor beating a dog. He tried to intervene, but was attacked with an object, the witnesses said.

"He was an animal lover," a neighbor told the news station. "He would not let anybody kill an animal or hurt one."

A GoFundMe page was created to help family members with funeral costs.