Macomb County Woman Charged After Kicking, Injuring Small Dog: Prosecutor

EASTPOINTE, MI — An Eastpointe woman has been charged after kicking a small dog in the face, causing it to lose its eye, according to the prosecutor's office.

Dezhiar Blair, 19, was charged with third-degree animal torture, which is a four-year felony. She was placed in jail with a $50,000 bond.

If she posts bond, she cannot have any contact with or possess any animals. Her next court date is scheduled for March 11.

Prosecutors said the incident happened last Wednesday at an Eastpointe home where Blair kicked her mother’s less than 5-pound Shih Poo in the head.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian who performed emergency surgery and had to remove one of the dog’s eyes, prosecutors said.

The dog's owner told police her daughter was upset by the barking.

"Allegations that this defendant kicked a defenseless dog in the head with such force that the animal lost an eye are deeply disturbing and will be treated with the utmost seriousness," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "Cruelty to animals is not a minor lapse in judgment, it is a criminal act that inflicts needless suffering on vulnerable creatures who depend entirely on human care and protection."