HSHV Animal Cruelty Investigation Leads to Prosecution of Ypsilanti Woman
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
By: Deborah Kern

Sentencing will by on May 2nd

On March 21, Crystal Smith of Ypsilanti Township, the owner of an Alaskan Husky who came into HSHV emaciated and with burn wounds, was found guilty of animal cruelty and will be sentenced on May 2.

The owner admitted that she tied his mouth shut with twine, making him unable to eat.  The owner also admitted that the his injuries were from a burn, but asserted in court that the burns “just showed up one day”.

“This was a really clear case of animal cruelty and we are grateful to the prosecutor and judge for seeing the gravity of this dog’s suffering.  Animal cruelty is a serious crime and we want to make sure people who intentionally hurt animals pay for their crimes,” said HSHV Director of Animal Cruelty, Matt Schaecher.

So hungry and thin, the dog, gained eight pounds in just eight days and received extensive medical treatment for his injuries and other health problems related to neglect.  The lengthy court process required him to live at our shelter for 216 days.   

“Our Animal Cruelty Department does critical work in this community, paid for by generous donors who want to see the most vulnerable among us protected.  Our staff and volunteers have done a fantastic job of protecting him, healing him and keeping him comfortable during a very long stay.  This is a great dog and his suffering is through no fault of his own.  He deserves a chance at a happy life”, said HSHV CEO, Tanya Hilgendorf. 

Now healthy and healed, the beautiful Husky is going up for adoption and looking for a family that will give him the love and care he deserves. For information on adoption go to HSHV.org or call (734) 661-3511.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor,  is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical  community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal "save-rate" among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.