Dog Missing Ears, Nose Named; Reward Grows to $32K

DETROIT, MI — The Detroit dog whose nose and ears were intentionally torn off in a horrific act of animal cruelty is opening hearts and wallets around the world. The original $2,500 reward to catch whoever tormented the brown and tan Rottweiller had grown to $32,000 by Friday afternoon, with more contributions coming in from animal lovers and others outraged by the dog's painful ordeal, the Michigan Humane Society said.

Baron, as he has been named by staff at Humane Society’s Mackey Center for Animal Care in Detroit, is doing “remarkably well, considering his injuries,” Dr. Shirene Cece, director of shelter veterinarian care and Baron’s vet, said in a video new release.

“They are in the process of healing now,” Cece said in the video, which is posted on the Michigan Humane Society’s Facebook page. The video shows Baron laying calmly on a white rug as Cece discussed his care, which includes an antibiotic regimen to prevent infection and may include reconstruction surgery to repair his nose, which Cece said is her greatest area of concern.

So far, investigators don’t know who mutilated the dog, spotted with life-threatening injuries on Tuesday by a citizen who called the Humane Society.

Michigan Humane Society President and CEO Matt Pepper said the dog is getting the best possible care at the Mackey Center.

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“He’s not under good care, he’s under the best care right now,” Pepper said. “We have an incredible staff of veterinarians here and his prognosis is great. He’s going to find an incredible home after his long road to recovery.”

Below, listen to Michigan Humane Society officials discussing the case. Warning: The video contains some graphic images that may be disturbing to some viewers.

Also on Facebook, the Humane Society said several crowdfunding campaigns have cropped up to support Baron, but officials can’t verify their validity.

“Instead, the best way to support Baron is to donate directly tomichiganhumane.org/baron. That way, 100 percent of your donation goes to MHS, is tax deductible and directly funds Baron’s care and all the many other animals and programs that are a part of what we do,” MHS said.

In the video news release, Pepper said that although Baron’s injuries are the result of an “extreme case of animal cruelty,” they’re something Humane Society staff “see every day.”

Photo courtesy of Michigan Humane Society