'Deplorable' cases highlight inadequate animal cruelty laws, prosecutor says

'Deplorable' cases highlight inadequate animal cruelty laws, prosecutor says Worthy, during a news conference in her offices in the Wayne County Circuit Courthouse, announced nearly 40 counts against two Wayne County men stemming from the unrelated abuse cases. Worthy said Dakhlallah's shop on Telegraph Road came to the attention of authorities following multiple complaints regarding the lack of food and water for animals and unsanitary and cruel conditions. Worthy said Dakhlallah, who owns the Pet Station and the corporation Pet Station LLC, is accused of abuse that occurred between July 31, 2009, and Tuesday. The animals were seized Wednesday by Dearborn Heights Police and the Michigan Humane Society, which is housing them. Authorities say five of the dogs died after France failed to care for the animals and abandoned them when he moved from his home in the 28200 block of Cahill in Flat Rock. Worthy said police retrieved the animals Sunday after a call from a resident. The top penalty is attached to the cruelty charge, which is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Worthy said cutbacks have hampered state efforts in licensing and monitoring of pet shops. The penalties need to be much higher. Worthy said the investigation was a collaborative effort by the Dearborn Heights Police Department, Dearborn Heights Animal Control, officers from the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Humane Society and the prosecutor's volunteer Animal Protection Unit. Dakhlallah faces a Thursday arraignment in 20th District Court. Worthy said it's not enough and her office is already beginning to talk with the Legislature about tougher penalties. The multitude of evidence resulted in one four-year felony; that is really criminal. "The laws on animal cruelty in this state are horrendous and need quick fixing," she said. France will be arraigned Thursday in 33rd District Court in Woodhaven. Dakhlallah is accused of selling animals with insufficient and improperly maintained records and offering disease-ridden animals for sale and others that weren't properly vaccinated. Four of the dogs were emaciated, and a fifth was discovered alive but later died at an emergency animal facility. In an unrelated case, Worthy said 44-year-old Rockwood resident Lester France is facing up to two years behind bars on abandonment and cruelty charges involving six American bulldogs. 'Deplorable' cases highlight inadequate animal cruelty laws, prosecutor says Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 13/04/2012