DETROIT – Chantel Rzewnicki and Melanie Thomas, co-founders of Karens Animal Rescue, have seen their fair share of heartbreaking cases, but they say this is another one that could have easily been prevented.
Related: Metro Detroit rescue group concerned about dogs left suffering in cold weather
“It’s heartbreaking… to pull a 30-pound, emaciated, frozen, dead dog with food on top of it,” Chantel said. “It’s mentally exhausting, and this year, it’s been traumatizing.”
While their rescue has seen some victories, the losses are overwhelming.
“We do get wins,” Melanie added. “But the bad always outweighs the good.”
The dog in question was found on Crane Street near Marcus on Detroit’s east side — an area where the Karens Rescue, which stands for “K-9 Animal Rescue Emergency Networking System,” has been working since they started three years ago. Initially, the dog was healthy, they said, provided with food, shelter, and care through their assistance, but the owner’s cooperation was inconsistent.
“Dogs would come and go — It was like a revolving door. The main dog was constantly pregnant, having litters of puppies. And where were they going?” Chantel said.
Background
In May of 2024, after allegedly seeing the owner abusing a dog, the Karens contacted Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC), believing they could step in.
The Karens said they reported the situation multiple times. DACC did visit, according to them, and two emaciated dogs were found — one was removed, but then, more dogs appeared.
“Two new brown dogs, extremely emaciated, covered in flies,” Chantel said. She offered help— fly cream, deworming, food, but she said the owner refused.
Fast forward to February of 2025. A dog found dead in a trash can.
“Did [DACC] ever go back? Follow up? Check on the other emaciated dog they left behind?” Melanie said.
“We’ve emailed everyone — the higher-ups in DACC, the city, and we can’t even get a response,” Chantel said. “That dog is dead because of them — because they didn’t do their job.”
The Karens said they can only do so much. They can beg, they can offer supplies, but they don’t have the authority to remove suffering animals.
“We just pick them out of the garbage can,” Chantel said.
Confronting the owner
Local 4’s Erika Erickson asked the owner of the dogs why her dog was in a garbage can and she denied any wrongdoing.
“I love my dogs. I got pictures with my dog — taking pictures on her first birthday,” the owner said. “I don’t know why [The Karens] have a problem with me.”
When asked why the dog was so skinny, the owner said she fed it regularly, but it had run away and froze to death.
When questioned about the number of dogs in her care now, the response was unclear. The owner said two, then one, and then said all of her dogs ran away.
When asked if DACC had taken one of her dogs, the owner confirmed.
Erika: “Why did [DACC] take it?”
Owner: “I told them, they’re good. I can’t take care of three dogs.“
Local 4 is waiting to hear from DACC about where this case stands. Meanwhile, the Karens have sent the dog’s body for an autopsy and have already received preliminary results. They said they would like to see this woman charged criminally.
“This isn’t the first one,” Melanie said. “And that’s why we’re pushing so hard. We’re tired. Something has to give.”
“I tried to get that dog surrendered several times,” Chantel said. “But without a signed owner surrender, we couldn’t take him. Dogs don’t lose that much weight in a week. That was constant neglect. A conscious decision to let him starve.”
“So, did DACC ever go back?” Melanie said. “Did they check for more dogs? Did anybody?”
If you need assistance or would like to contact the Karens, click here.
Related: Neighbors rally for safe removal of neglected chained dogs on Detroit’s east side
Detroit’s statement
Here is a statement from Crystal Perkins, the city of Detroit’s general services director.
On May 20, 2024, Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) received a tip regarding potential dog breeding and concerns about a dog being chained inside a cage on the porch of a home located on the 9000 block of Crane. That same day, an animal control investigator was dispatched to the location. Upon inspection, the dogs appeared healthy but were found to be unlicensed. The owner expressed frustration that the dogs were being feed without her permission.
On September 20, 2024, DACC received another tip alleging that the dogs were being starved. An investigator responded immediately and noted a decline in the dogs' conditions. The owner voluntarily surrendered the malnourished dog and declined to relinquish the other two. The investigator issued multiple citations, provided a list of low-cost veterinary resources, and supplied the owner with two bags of dog food.
A follow-up visit on September 25, 2024, indicated progress in the dogs' care, with noticeable improvements. Another check-in on October 9, 2024, confirmed significant weight gain and better overall health. Given these improvements and the absence of further complaints, there was no immediate reason to conduct additional visits.
On February 25, 2025, DACC was notified by the KARENs Organization that a deceased dog had been removed from the trash at the same address. This incident is now under further investigation.
Crystal Perkins, city of Detroit general services director.
