Marking a Milestone in the Fight Against Animal Cruelty

The Humane Society of Huron Valley investigates hundreds of cases of animal cruelty in Washtenaw County each year. Despite the growing number of people who treat their pets like a beloved member of the family, animal cruelty is still far too commonplace.

The dedicated Animal Cruelty Investigation and Emergency Rescue team at HSHV is on the front-lines in the battle to eradicate animal abuse in our community—working tirelessly to find and pursue criminal charges against those who cause unnecessary suffering.

Recently, HSHV Investigators saw their 50th guilty verdict since the end of 2009, when the Department was taken over by Matthew Schaecher, the Director of Animal Cruelty Investigation and Emergency Rescue for HSHV.

“Each victory not only brings justice for the animal victim, it also sends a message to the community that animals have feelings and that their suffering matters to us as humans. Protection of innocent animals is important to our own moral progress,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, Executive Director.   

Animal abuse and neglect, including dog fighting, is against the law in the State of Michigan. Depending on the severity, it can be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or a felony that includes jail time. Washtenaw County now has the highest animal cruelty prosecution rate of any county in Michigan. We are grateful for the assistance from other law enforcement agencies and from the Washtenaw County prosecutors and judges who take this type of crime seriously.

“We are extremely proud of our team. A lot of work and no small amount of stress and heartache went into getting here. The link between animal cruelty and other violent and criminal acts is well-proven. In fact many of the individuals we deal with have a prior history of crimes like drug dealing, assault, child abuse, and even murder. Fighting against animal cruelty in our community is in everyone’s best interest.  Our community provides the generous donations that provide 100% of the funding for this critical work.  This is something in which we can all share a sense of pride,” said Hilgendorf.   

To recognize our Cruelty Investigation Department’s enormous efforts we are honoring them with an “Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social” on Friday, June 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at HSHV, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor, 48105. The public is invited to attend for a free ice cream sundae, to learn more about how our work saves lives and to congratulate the Department on a job well done.

On June 1 HSHV will also provide $50 OFF the adoption fee of any adult dog (over 6 months old). Plus, if you make a donation that is directed to Animal Cruelty Investigation and Emergency Rescue Team at HSHV now through June 1, you will have a chance to win a ride along with our team and see first-hand the important work they do in our community.

 As always, we rely on community members to be our eyes and ears.  If you suspect abuse or neglect of an animal, please be their voice and make a report at (734) 661-3512 or online at http://www.hshv.org/site/PageNavigator/cruelty/report.html.

 The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, was recently awarded the ‘Best Animal Shelter in Michigan” by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance for saving the most lives. HSHV is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community and we are not affiliated with the Michigan Humane Society or any other humane organization.  For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org . 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor, MI  48105