Pit bull puppy seen being dragged, abused in video in Eastpointe
Frappy, the pintsize pit bull puppy discovered in a larceny suspect’s pocket, is back in the care of authorities after Eastpointe Police investigated allegations that the dog was abused.
Eastpointe Police Chief Corey Haines told the Free Press in an email that Frappy was surrendered to the city’s animal control after authorities started a forfeiture proceeding.
“We have custody of Frappy and will be turning this wonderful puppy over to one of our rescues so that (she) can be adopted out to a loving family,” Haines wrote.
Frappy came into the care of Eastpointe authorities Feb. 21. The city attorney filed the complaint for forfeiture against Brian Askin and Shatoria Lane, each of whom faces a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals, according to online district court records. Lane also is charged with misdemeanor hindering and obstructing. Both are scheduled for arraignment April 1, according to online court records.
Haines said that both appeared in court Wednesday, but Lane was removed from the complaint for forfeiture. He said the dog was Askin’s, and Askin surrendered the dog. He stated both were issued misdemeanor violations because, at the time of the incident, authorities couldn’t confirm the owner.
Eastpointe authorities became involved after video was brought to them appearing to show the puppy being dragged across a sidewalk and grass, hurled into the air numerous times by her leash and collar and slapped on the backside by a man, with the dog barking afterward, according to Haines and video obtained by the Free Press through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Haines stated in an email last month that authorities received videos from an anonymous source, sent to them about 7:45 a.m. Feb. 21. Authorities spoke with the occupants of a
Rose Stevenson and her partner Lisa Stevens have lived in Corktown for almost 15 years and said they enjoy the community spirit that erupts during cultural parades.
“We love to make sure we get here early to grab a nice spot to watch and cheer along all the amazing groups who work so hard,” Stevenson said. “It’s almost like a history lesson watching all the different groups come through.”
Drawing hundreds of thousands each year, according to its website, the two-hour parade featured performances by the Ardán Academy of Irish Dance, Motor City Irish Dance, the Shannon Irish Dance Academy, the Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and the Windsor Police Pipe Band.
The dozens of colorful, eccentric floats told the story of Irish legacy in Corktown and honored Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick.
This year's Grand Marshals were Norman and Maureen Root. Hometown Heros honored at the Parade were:
Executive Director of Detroit Dog Rescue Kristina MillmanRinaldi h
Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes & Drums Stacy Sanderson-Trott h and Dave Wurtz
Michael Robes of Ann Arbor said his family chooses a different metro Detroit St. Patrick’s Day parade to participate in each year, but none beat Detroit’s.
“We went to Ann Arbor last year and were going to Grand Rapids next week too,” Robes said. “(Between) the family-fun zone and the different performances in the parade - Detroit is our family favorite.”
Prior to the parade, hundreds of runners of all ages sported bright green t-shirts for the 41st annual Corktown Races.
Monetary and canned good donations were collected for the
St. Patrick's Senior Center, located at 58 Parsons Street. The senior center founded in 1983 is the only community-based health clinic for seniors in Detroit, according to its website.