Ace
Mlive was the main news source which posted the story of Ace’s euthanasia carried out by DAC on November 10, as announced by the animal control. The news highlighted the point that Ace was put to death despite the court injunction, from the Wayne County Court on Wednesday (November 09), which DC claims it, or the city of Detroit, never received. But Corbett O’Meara, attorney to animal right activist Dan Carlisle, rejects DAC’s claim as he says his client personally delivered the court order to DAC. Now O’Meara is ready to sue DAC for ignoring the court order and thus committing contempt of court. The question naturally follows, why DAC would deny receiving the court order. O’Meara tells, and as others suspect, that the reason was to hide the timeline of Ace’s killing—Ace was most likely killed much earlier than when his death was announced.
The untold and noteworthy side to this story is the forum postings of a local teacher named Shayla Weston whose account mentions a friend of hers that went to the DAC at around 9:30 am on Monday (November 07) to claim that he owned Ace; to save the endangered dog this way. Weston’s ex saw Ace in captivity with only a bowl of food and water; no medical attention had been given the dog, despite the fact that a dog in such an emaciated state cannot be given food without careful monitoring. DAC was apparently keeping the dog in a miserable condition. When Weston and her friend went to the control again at noon, the management had no Ace to show to Weston’s friend. Instead, they threatened him with getting him arrested for abusing his dog. Where had Ace gone?
A number of people now believe that Ace had already been killed some time on Monday, before noon. In other words, the dog, found on November 04, was not given 4 days as allowed by the state law. He should have been alive by Wednesday. But the DAC kept posing as if the dog had not been killed yet. In fact, when Weston’s ex visited the control again on Thursday, he was shown a dog like Ace, but clearly not Ace. By then, the court order had been delivered to DAC, as claimed by attorney O’Meara, and Ace’s real owner also had appeared to claim him (according to her, Ace was stolen from her several weeks ago). But Ace was no more to be saved. His emaciated figure and begging eyes failed to win him the right to live because a life-control entity wanted him dead, and had him so, slapping in the face of law and morals.
Alarming as it sounds, there is more to this story of captivity and killing. Shayla Weston has said that the man who went to DAC to collect the dog saw a DAC worker pushing a small puppy down the hall while smashing its face against the wall, then stopping to talk to him as the puppy was shaking and still with its face against the wall. With this abuse of animals witnessed at the control, there are a number of other dogs that remain captive at this, what was called by an animal right supporter “pure horror pit”. The latest about the control is that despite a court order, it is not releasing 9 dogs which are likely to be its next victims.
Candles lit at Ace’s memorial service outside DAC may not have lit the dark environment of this “control” entity where life is trampled by the hand that is eager to kill, but that light did reflect from the tears of those gathered on the cold evening to assure Ace that they were one in spirit with him and would ask for justice. The light of hope is not down yet. For Ace and many other victims of the controlling authorities, life ended without justice. Will they get it after death, right here on earth which was as much their as anybody else’s?
lOVE THE ARTICLE. Finally someone is speaking the truth.Sharing this
These people need to be punished for this crime … fired and never allowed around another animal!
I still cannot think of this poor little dog without having a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. WHY do they allow such incompetent people to be in charge of poor suffering animals who have been abused most of their short lives. Its unthinkable and unbelievable too but it’s still happening and our tax dollars are paying for these IDIOTS to act that way.
If found guilty of abusing a pet, they should be made to face jail or worse. We are the voice of the pets who have been maimed and abused inside walls like these. VERY SAD to think there are individuals allowed to work there…don’t they do background checks and monitor them when they’re at work? Apparently NOT…shame on everyone involved.
you just took the words right out of my mouth, ditto… i wrot the same thing but could not get it on facebook n lost it
this story still tugs at me and i will continue to follow it until the end. someone has to be held accountable for this tragedy. it sounds like the DAC has been doing this kind of thing for so long they think they are beyond all rules of human decency, and their own protocols. i applaude everyone who tried to save Ace and is still working in his name and the nameless who have and will suffer at this facility. i only hope that in the end the facility is either shut down or totally reorganized with all new caring staff and new rules.
Just like Larisa I love the Article, and I hope we will get some justice for Ace. I hope we can make the DAC paid for this, and can get these people out of there. We don’t need anymore Aces killed.
Someone needs to step in and do something about the DAC. ALL the assholes currently employed there need to be fired. It would be even better if they were ALL criminally charged as well!!
I feel the DAC needs to be arrested for animal abuse and everyone of them lose their jobs!! Hire new people and make sure this same thing will NOT happen. No more prejudice against Pitbulls!!! Or any of the bully breeds. Dogs are dogs and they deserve a 2nd chance….They need to take their asses out to the streets and arrest these people who are causing this over whelming dog over population. Start putting these scum bags in JAIL!!! Clean up the streets with these jack asses…then you will start seeing this dog issue slow down.
Was there from the first and this article should be given to ALL of the media outlets, especiallythe Detroit news stations. There is ore going on than mets the eys and it all needs to come out in the open. New managment needs to happen at this facility so ALL of the ACE’s of this city can have the right to live. Thank you for writing this article.
This is horrific and I am also sharing.
I have a fairly large base with Face Book, and I guarantee that this will go viral fairly soon!
Margret. How do I add you to my friends list? Please add me to yours. larisa Scharikin
This place needs to be shut down NOW! It is only a killing machine. We need to push the mayor to shut it down. The city of Detroit is looking for ways to save money, and this would be a good start. There is no point taking a dog off the street and putting it into a worse state of suffering at DAC. SHUT IT DOWN NOW!
There needs to be change in a lot of these facilities. The people responsible should have been arrested, fired and be facing jail! The first item on the application for replacing these people, yes, all of them involved in DAC, should be the love of animals. It doesn’t take anything to love the animals that are brought in. It is not their fault, it is human fault. Thank you for this article, I have been following this since the beginning. We need justice for the innocent victims!
It is hard to care about this story with all the advertising on either side of it. If you really care, then post your words, not advertisements.
why not simply send them a donation large enough to pay for the website for a year or so. that way they won’t need to use advertising to support their work.
you really seem to miss the point of the article, sad to say.
Two ads, is very, very, very little and means we make virtually nothing for the entire site. You may choose to sponsor this writer who is amazing in his ideas, productivity and abilities. We have a paypal donate button that actually counts. Before without any affiliate links the search engines were less attracted, which means fewer readers hear of the site. This writer, Ernest Dempsey, is a very rare individual with great heart and talent and deserves recognition for what he does. Carol Forsloff, Publisher
Carol, you were very kind in your response to “concerned”. I would just like to add this in support of what you said….Actually, the advertisements, which are necessary in order to support the distribution of the article are not that distracting. The informative content of Mr. Dempsey’s article and the importance of its message make it quite easy to hold attention. Its just like TV and radio, you see/hear the advertisements, and take in only what you deem necessary to your needs. They are a necessity for reaching a wider population, and if that is what it takes to hear more about Ace’s story and to spread the word to gain a wider range of support for this cause, then so be it. Some things are worth the sacrifice for the greater good!
Carol. I agree Ernest Dempsey is an incredible writer who has a great open heart for animals. Who cares about the adds?really, how are you supposed to run a website? that comment take away from what the article says.
This dog did NOTHING to anyone. It was scared. It was hungry. The way humans act will be JUDGED by God and don’t think for one second how we treat the defenseless and helpless won’t be judged! Everyone involved in this killing needs to lose their job and the 2 people responsible for violating a court order need to go to JAIL! CONTEMPT OF COURT. Suing is fine but JAIL is where these monsters neeed to be. NO regard for life! SICK. who’s the animal?
Amen Lisa, Amen.
So true Lisa these people will be judged and God is watching, he did not put animals on earth for us to abuse they are our companions and need to be treated with love and respect just like all of Gods creatures. These so called people need to pay for what they did to Ace, he was innocent and just wanted help and all he got was abuse and Death. And for all the people who Killed Ace you will met your maker one day and that gives me some peace in knowing God will judge you. But here on Earth they need to be fired and caring people put in their places
This story is still so heart breaking. What scares me even more, as if anything could, is the more animals still left there to live an agonizing life of abuse and torture. That puppy who was being abused right in front of the public. How despicable. That poor sweet soul Ace, as sad and horrible as it was, lost his life but is now in peace away from the evil this country and its humans endure upon innocent lives. Yet the souls still living in that hell hole still live there in fear and torment. My God, if there is one- STOP this now!! have they not suffered enough?!?!
One would think, with so many good people out of work these days that this place could easily replace its staff with more capable, animal/people compassionate employees.
I absolutely agree, Lillie….my thoughts exactly! There are so many kind, deserving people out there who would appreciate the chance to provide love and compassionate care to these helpless animals. Sadly, evil begets evil, and changes need to start with the management. Harry Ward has got to GO!!
DAC is a killing machine sanctioned by the city. The lies we have been told by several City Dept. speaks volumes of just how deep the crimes are and what they will do to protect their own. Ace was looking for food,water and a loving hand to help him all that was denied. In fact despite all the rescues that were ready and able to provide all his urgent needs were squashed. Little did the DAC and the City of Detroit expect the thousands to rally around Ace. They also should know this is not going away because you sent 8 dogs to MHS (instead of 9). The lack of respect for laws and courts will be addresses now or later but rest assured it will be. In closing the Lord knows and saw what was done to Ace He didn’t miss one thing and knows the who’s and when. No lies, cover-ups will change that.
You are so right, Gayle….the fact that we WILL receive justice for Ace here on earth has nothing to do with the justice he will receive in Heaven….everyone is held accountable for their actions in the end, and no one who was involved in the mistreatment and death of Ace (and so many others) will be spared! This is of great comfort to me when I think about all the suffering these people have caused to so many innocent, trusting lives.
Bonnie is absolutely correct in her statement.
Something needs to be done in Detroit. Their behavior and attitude are outrageous and criminal! Residents of Detroit need to speak up!
Thanks Ernest for a great article on the cruelty to Ace and animals at DAC. I will continue to fight for those without a voice. Ace never had a chance and I pray justice will be served for those involved.
THANK YOU Ernest, for listening and taking the time to tell the TRUTH about Ace. Everything you mentioned in your article is true, not to mention that later in the day on the 7th, both my ex and I went back to get Ace. You see, when he first went down there, the workers told him to “go home, take a picture of his backyard, and bring $150 to get him out.” I am assuming the pictures to try to prove that he had a secure backyard for Ace once he was released….? and of course the money to get him out. The wierd thing was, they told him he COULD NOT be released until after 10:30 am which puzzled us both. I left work early and headed down to the DAC, waiting for him to get Ace, as he was instructed by the volunteers there. I already had a 1:30 vet appointment set up for him at Parkview Vet in Warren via a local pitt bull rescue I worked with in the past, therefore, I was acting as the transport. I waited off the property down the street. Unfortunately, when my ex went back in to the DAC to get Ace, he was threatened by Harry Ward himself, who had arrived at work, irnonically enough, around 10:30 am, for animal cruelty. He stated “If you want to purger yourself and say this dog is yours, go right ahead.” The same security guards who had been there helping him to get Ace out three hours earlier were now threatening to call the police and have him arrested. At that time, he said, “well, can I at least see my dog again.” They obliged and led him to the same kennel he had sat with Ace in only hours before. It was empty. They claimed he was “clinging to life and the vet had him on I.V’s in the back” trying to spare his life. Yeah, right. What I believe happened was that Harry Ward arrived to work that day, saw and heard of all the attention that Ace was getting by Monday, decided that he was above the law, and had Ace put to sleep immediately, ridding himself of the headache of it all. What that S.O.B. didn’t bank on was the thousands of people that would be aware and irate about Ace’s story…WORLDWIDE, NO LESS! My ex went back on Wednesday morning, with documentation claiming Ace was his, on the same day that Ace’s true owner came forward. They were both led through the shelter and shown the fake Ace that we all saw. He was shown every dog, in every kennel to no avail…again, by the SAME PEOPLE who showed him the real Ace on Monday morning, before “Hitler” got to work that day. Ace was gone…and despite the love from so many who wanted to save him, at peace in the arms of his maker. HOWEVER, this happened on Monday morning, not Thursday. Therefore, there was no court order that was violated. However, what was violated was the laws that state that a dog has four days (business days that is) for an owner to step forward, AND, if the dog is in a state of suffering, the number one job of the DAC was to deal with the suffering, and then allow him his four days. He was in a regular kennel, with regular food, as sick as he was, leaning against the wall, with a spirit that was slowly dying. My ex, Mike Gandelot, was the last to see him alive. He spent about 20 minutes in the kennel with him, which was the idea of the DAC workers. They wanted to see if “Rocky” (the name my ex gave him) would recognize his owner. Mike said he kind of looked up at him weakly, not quite moving his head to see his face, but kind of barely looking up with his eyes….almost as if he didn’t have the strength. Mike did say that he had a bandage around his upper front leg, but that he was in his kennel with regular food and NO extra medical attention. PLEASE SPREAD THIS INFORMATION TO ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN!!! This is the truth and I am so thankful to my dear friend Larisa in Florida who didn’t quite reposting this information. All I can hope and pray for is that Ace’s death was not in vain and that things will change for the benefit of dogs like him, in his memory. I have been doing animal rescue in this area for 20+ years. Most of the dogs I have rescued, including a pitt from Detroit only a month to the day before Ace, have been from Detroit. Everyone around here knows that the DAC is like a “Concentration Camp” for dogs~especially pitts. This MUST change. Thank you for helping make that change. Our voices have to be heard. Retell this story and feel free to contact me with further details if needed. I am on Facebook. Thanks again Larisa and Ernest!!!
Shayla. Thank you for all you did and all you continue to do. Ernest would like to interview you and mike. Is that possible. Do you skype? God bless you.
Absolutely Larisa!!! Yes, I can skype.
Contact Ernest. I sent you the e-mail and you can do the interview on Skype. He also REALLY wants to talk to Mike.
Thank you so much for this insightful, and brilliantly written article. This is a subject that needs to be brought to the forefront of the media and to the attention of caring citizens everywhere, that there is much work to be done if we are to make the necessary changes to legislation, how these facilities are run, and how they treat the innocent animals entrusted in their care. As heartbreaking as Ace’s story is, its imperative that it be shared so that we can prevent such heinous acts from happening in the future. If anything good is to come out of this tragedy, it should be that we come together to help Ace leave behind a legacy of bringing to light the corrupt, immoral behavior of the DAC and the city officials who continue to defend and support their heinous, incomprehensible, crimes against Ace and so many others. We must continue to insist these heartless individuals be removed from their positions, prosecuted for their unlawful and cruel acts, and rendered unable to obtain employment working near animals in any way, shape, or form. Ace’s death was not in vain, there are many of us who will continue to fight for justice in his name…and we will not stop until we get it! Thank you Mr. Dempsey, for keeping us informed and not letting this mission be forgotten.
With regard to the puppy Mike (my ex) saw, it was on Wednesday, when he was being walked through the DAC by a worker trying to pass several dogs off as Ace, it was horrible. From what he described, it was a “Spud Mackenzie-looking puppy” and the puppy, no more than maybe 10 months, was not resisting, yet had a nuece-like restraining device around his/her neck…the kind on the end of a pole. The worker who was apparently walking this pup to it’s kennel, or maybe even it’s death, was ramming it’s face into the walls with ABSOLUTELY NO COMPASSION WHATSOEVER! The pup was so frightened, it was urinating all over it’s legs/and the floor. The worker actually had the AUDACITY to stop and speak to another worker in the hall as she was passing him while continuing to push the pup’s face into the wall. It’s enough to make me seriously want to hurt someone. I am sorry…those words are tame compared to what was going through my mind as I heard this account first hand. Not to mention the horror stories I heard almost fifteen years ago…from a volunteer I used to work with for Critter Connection, a non profit rescue I worked with and hosted a local adopt-a-pet cable show for. This volunteer, named Jan, stated that she went down the the DAC searching for one of our dogs that had apparently been picked up by Animal Control. Thank God for the id tags. Anyway, while waiting to see if the dog was there, Jan struck up a conversation with a worker there. He was very open, and honest, while CHUCKLING, NO LESS, about how he has been a part of pitt bulls being incinerated alive. He said something about how he “opened the door” to the incinerator to see if the pitt was still alive, however, the tips of its ears and tail were burning, no other part at that time. He thought it was humorous that it took a while for it to burn alive. Jan was in tears and almost physically sick when she left. Again, that was fifteen or so years ago. I have known the evil doings of the DAC since then. The pathetic part??? They are accountable to NO ONE!!!! Again, one more thing that must change immediately!
Shayla, cant you tell me what legal action, if any is being taken as a result Ace’s death and the information you and your ex have provided regarding the negligence and corruption at the DAC? There is so much public outcry over Ace’s story and the conditions of the DAC that have come to light as a result of it, I am wondering if something is being done? Every time I read more about the events surrounding Ace’s incarceration at the DAC and his death, it just leaves me feeling sick and disgusted to think that these things happened, and worse, are continuing to be allowed to happen even in light of all of the scrutiny from the media and rescue groups who have tried to educate the public and bring justice for Ace. I was hoping for heads to roll down at the DAC (starting with Harry Ward) and major changes in the it’s policies and treatment of the animals. Why is this not happening?
Well, from what I have heard, it is a slow process….and it’s Detroit. The city is so very corrupt and most people think, “where do you start???” There are so many other corrupt things going on in Detroit that affects humans…I think people there just don’t take it very seriously because it’s just a situation that affects dogs…like, who cares? I do know that The Lexus Project is fighting a battle against what is going on there and they will not quit! They do have a FB page and can keep everyone in the loop about progress as it’s made. I also believe that they are thinking that this will die down and go away, however, Ace’s supporters cannot let that happen! It will take time, but I believe something will come about with all of this! Don’t give up and telling Ace’s story and getting people to put pressure on the powers that be…
Ace’s death should never be in vain. Justice must be served. Someone should start a petition to address this issue.
The personel in these places become numb and life of a small animal means nothing to them. The animals almost become entertainment for the workers. The workers there that have any compassion for these animals need to speak out about the abuse without the threat of losing their jobs or punishmentof any kind. They need to use the wistleblowers law for protetction. Look at all thge corruption in Detroit. This is just one more avenue. Harry Ward needs to be investigated for allowing this kind of action.
I have saved numerous Pitties from being put to death. I would have given anything to save Ace. I cried so hard reading this. God will now take care of you Ace. You will finally have love that you never had before. I hope some day to meet you in Heaven and tell you I love you.m\
this story had me in tears , i was so sad when they murdered Ace, why do heartless things work with these precious babies, i can’t call them people because thats a disgrace to human rac. sick, hope they rid the state of all that garbage.
Why do people that don’t love or care about animals have these jobs? I will never understand how you could go there everyday to work if you absolutely hate animals. It appears to me that anyone that doesn’t advocate for the homeless animals in their care should not be there. Not only that, but background checks for everyone involved should be mandatory. These animals are 100% dependent on humans for their care, so why do we put a less than a human in charge of this? Almost all shelter systems in this country need reform. It’s just a good thing that our country doesn’t look at throw away children the same. Heartless, ignorant, uncaring subhumans that run these houses of death and despair, some collecting 6 figure paychecks for sitting on their ass and pointing a finger at who dies next. Rise up people. Nothing ever changes overnight, but the more hell we raise, the better chance we have at reform. The best legacy for Ace is not to forget and not to forgive.
Ace was looking for help & the system went and broke all the rules & they should be charged w/ Animal Neglect & Abuse. I’m sure DAC isn’t the only facility that behaves in this manner but I hope it has changed the way the other AC’s handle the animals & that they follow the rules without shortcuts thinking ”no one will ever know” because we will know !
I hope that you have all signed the petition, Ace’s law. It is a petition for a federal law to end BSL. And mandate these animal contols across the country to work with animal rescue. There is no excuse for this, it brings tears. I am not in Detroit, but it happens everywhere, unfortunately. We need to all work together to stop it. We can do this, we just need to band together, strength in numbers!
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/aces-law-animal-welfare-rights-act/XLLS4srL
They need to fire Harry Ward and the other DAC worker that put that dogs face in the wall! Both of you should not be breathing my air, instead be put in a cage and left to suffer for days and days until you starve to death. Maybe if you were put in the same circumstance that a lot of our 4 legged friends endured you might have a little compassion but I doubt it. I wonder if you treat other people with disrespect like you do these dogs. I’m glad I’m not your wife or one of your children, who knows how you treat them. Glad I don’t know you personally because I would be giving you a piece of my mind and if I was in the Detroit area I would be fighting to get both of you fired. Maybe that will happen yet! R.I.P. ACE and my heart is with the other dogs that you have contact with!!
Normal human beings would have fed him and loved him, rather than hide him and try to pimp him off as another dog to cover their tracks. Who does that sound like here…Bush family? 9/11, Chemtrails, military brass who lie about remains of soldiers that fought for our rights that are being taken away daily by these same covert behaviors? WHo is the animal here? WHO really are the animals among us? Its the controlling type humans they are not humans folks…watch out and protect all you have that is near and dear. All of the animals in the care of humans are in jeopardy when they are in Animal Control situations. ALL OF THEM. These types need to control those perceived as weak, small, easily dominated. They are the machines on this earth dominating all of us if we allow it.These folks are not human. They do not deserve cushy jobs where they make (poor)decisions, like so many I see in government, nor good pay. Send them to the back of the line where they belong.
This is horrifying! I am disgusted and hope that this hideous crime doesn’t go unpunished. A person like that working with a living being is disturbing. The lack of empathy and compassion for an air breathing creature getting ready to die…. I can’t even find the right words…..
IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS NO JUSTICE FOR THE SAD WAYS IN WHICH THOSE WHO CANNOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES ARE TREATED,