(WXYZ) — Three people have been charged after 17 emaciated and sick dogs were found in the back of a rental box truck in May 2018.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, David McMurtie, 42; Kayli Sparks, 29, both of River Rouge; and David Bowling, 30, of Ecorse, have been charged with animal abuse.
On May 1, 2018, Ecorse police went to a home in the 4300 block of Sixth Street to investigate a complaint about dogs being stored in a truck. When officers arrived, they found the 17 sick dogs in separate, stacked cages. The animals were in "filth and extreme heat," according to police.
At least three of the dogs had allegedly been stolen from a rescue shelter. The dogs were transported to an animal shelter for treatment.
David McMurtie is charged with abandoning and cruelty to 10 or more animals; abandoning and cruelty to four to 10 animals; three counts of receiving and concealing stolen property; felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; and felony firearm.
McMurtrie was given a $50,000 cash bond, along with a GPS tether if released on bond.
Kayli Sparks is charged with abandoning and cruelty to 10 or more animals; abandoning and cruelty to four to 10 animals; and three counts of receiving and concealing stolen property.
Sparks received a $25,000/ 10 percent bond, with a GPS tether requirement if released on bond.
David Bowling is charged with abandoning and cruelty to 10 or more animals; and abandoning and cruelty to four to 10 animals.
Bowling was given a $25,000/10 percent bond, with GPS requirement if released on bond.
