In a much-debated announcement made by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, no charges are to be pressed in the painful case involving Gideon, a puppy who sustained severe burns. “Gideon, a four-month-old Jack Russell Terrier, suffered horrific abuse,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy was quoted in the report, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence to charge any individuals present at the Detroit home at the time of the incident, FOX 2 Detroit reports.
The case has been fraught with complexities since January 12, when, after a domestic disturbance call by a 19-year-old woman concerning her intoxicated mother. The same mother later reported her puppy Gideon had been found with critical burns, according to ClickOnDetroit. Details emerge that the mother had at first suggested her daughter may have been responsible for the animal’s injuries linked to their earlier altercation, but later amended her statement to insist Gideon jumped into the hot water without any eyewitness testimony or confession. Authorities said they could not reach the high bar of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A chorus of disapproval followed the announcement, both from the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) and concerned citizens; DAWG’s Director Kelly LaBonty told ClickOnDetroit, “This is a dangerous person that’s out here — someone who can do that to an animal. They need to be behind bars.” The lack of criminal charges, however, did not seem to sway Worthy’s judgment as she pointed out that while she understands animal lovers’ passion, no quick rush to judgment would be made without thorough evidence…