A Jack Russel puppy named Gideon’s story isn’t over — it’s just beginning.
From unimaginable suffering to his recovery, Gideon is capturing the hearts of many.
Now, the search for justice is on for Gideon after he survived what animal advocates believe was a horrific case of animal cruelty.
Gideon, still just a puppy, was taken in by the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) on Jan. 12 after reports surfaced that he had been intentionally burned in a bathtub.
“I’ve never been—13 years of rescue, in 20 years of anesthesia—seen any living being in so much pain,” said Kelly LaBonty, Director of DAWG.
The extent of Gideon’s injuries was devastating. Third-degree burns covered his tiny, three-month-old body.
LaBonty said his cries were constant, his suffering immeasurable, but with time, care, and love, Gideon has begun his slow path to recovery.
Now, in the care of a foster family in Lake Orion, Gideon is progressing.
His nails are starting to grow back, and some of his skin is healing. However, he still wakes up from nightmares and requires constant medical attention.
“It’s gonna be a long road for this pup. It’s going to affect him the rest of his life,” LaBonty said. “ he may not get hair back in some areas because the burns were so deep.”
Gideon’s story has reached across the world. DAWG even keeps track of a map. The outpouring of love and support has come from as far as the UK, Australia, and Africa.
LaBonty has been advocating for action, but the Michigan Humane Society has told her they need more evidence.
Determined to get some accountability, LaBonty said she and others at DAWG compiled 30 pages of documentation, including screenshots and photos, and contacted the Detroit Police Department.
A month later, she said she still hadn’t received any answers.
“There is no justice, and our system has failed him,” she said. “It’s been over six weeks — 6 1/2 weeks, and there’s no justice for this dog.”
Local 4 contacted multiple agencies, including the police, the prosecutor’s office, Detroit Animal Care and Control, Michigan Humane, and even the dog’s original owners, to determine who was working on Gideon’s case.
We learned that the prosecutor’s office and the police are both working on it. Typically, DACC handles these types of cases (not this time, however, and we were not told why).
Detroit police only said the investigation is ongoing. Prosecutors told us they have assigned an animal cruelty detective to what they describe as a “very disturbing case.”
They also confirmed that “Prosecutor Worthy will contact DPD to determine who will take the lead on the case.”
“I hope we obviously get prosecution for Gideon and not just a slap on the wrist and not just probation, said LaBonty. “I mean, this is serious, and there are still animals in that home that should be investigated. And we have to be the voice for all the animals. It’s not just Gideon. Gideon’s just a small part of the story.”
Upon receiving information about Gideon, Michigan Humane told us an investigator did respond to the complaint but learned that the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office was involved and has since been working with them.
Local 4 is working with MHS to possibly get an investigation launched regarding the other dogs reported to be in the home.
As Gideon continues his recovery, DAWG said they still need funds for his vet bill and for other animals in their care.
