Phoenix recovers from chemical burn injuries at the Dearborn Animal Shelter.
By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit is offering a $4,000 reward for information on a local dog who suffered chemical burns to his body last week.
Dearborn police rescued the adult dog, Phoenix, on April 12 after a resident contacted them upon finding the dog. Phoenix was taken to the Dearborn Animal Shelter for treatment and assistance.
Veterinary Forensics Consulting Dr. Melinda Merck reviewed Phoenix’s burns and de
termined the liquid burning was deliberate.
“This was a deliberate act based on the separation of the burns from the shoulder, neck, head and legs and the linear aspects of many of the burns,” she said.
On April 17, the FAMD Board members increased the reward for information that leads to prosecution to $4,000 from $1,000.
“Phoenix is recuperating here at the shelter,” FAMD Executive Director Elaine Greene said. “She is going to need lots of treatment for the next few weeks but she amazingly remains in good spirits.
Although we have not yet received any tips on who could have perpetrated this horribly cruel act, the outpouring of concern and support for Phoenix has been amazing and is truly appreciated.”
To donate for Phoenix’s vet bills go to metrodetroitanimals.org. Anyone with information about the dog can call FAMD at 313-943-2607 or Dearborn police at 313-943-2241.
“This dog is very sweet and in spite of the horrific nature of the injuries, very trusting of people,” Greene said. “It appears as if she may have been burned numerous times over a period of time.
“Cruelty to animals makes us sick. Our staff has named the dog Phoenix because we want to see her rise again.”
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)