EASTPOINTE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Eastpointe Police Animal Control say the most recent example of animal neglect is exactly why new and stricter animal ordinances have been adopted by the city.
RELATED: City of Eastpointe adopts new animal ordinances
"This is what our new animal ordinances will help us stop from happening," read a post on the Eastpointe Police Animal Control Division Facebook page. "This is an example of what will NO longer be tolerated or accepted in the city of Eastpointe. If you see something, say something."
The new rules outline several changes, including what times dogs are allowed to be kept outside and how many dogs can be owned. It also bans so-called "backyard breeding."
The Mastif was found running in the area of Toepfer Drive and Virginia Avenue around 4:40 p.m. After a foot chase, the dog was safely secured, according to animal control.
Brian Pylar, chief animal control officer with the Eastpointe Police Animal Control Division, said he knew right away the dog was not a stray and it may have been used for breeding.
“She was very scared, her tail was between her legs,” Pylar said, who chased the dog using treats to lure her in.
The female Mastiff who has been named Penelope, is 3 years old and is at least 60 pounds underweight – she should be about 150 pounds but only weighs 90 pounds. Pylar said she was still too big to put in mobile crates after she was caught.
“(I) Just opened up the back door of my animal control truck and she just hopped in the back,” Pylar said.
Because of that, and because Penelope knew commands and was housebroken, Pylar says it's evident she had an owner.
“This dog was somebody’s dog," Pylar said. "Somebody bred the dog. Somebody knows who this dog belongs to."
After a veterinary examination, it was determined that Penelope may have recently had a litter of puppies. Pylar says Penelope has been taken to the Detroit Pit Crew and there's a chance she'll be up for adoption after the investigation has completed and she's healthy.
Now, Pylar says he's be hitting the streets looking for Penelope's owner and checking online to see if anyone is sell bull mastiff puppies.
If you have information on the owners of the dog, please contact authorities at 586-445-5100 ext. 1035.
