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Residents describe severe dog mauling, say sheriff did not respond; prosecutor, state police involved
Summary
Multiple residents recounted a recent dog mauling that left a child severely injured and said sheriff's deputies did not inspect the property; the prosecutor said she spent a day reviewing evidence and Michigan State Police took over the investigation.
Several Hillsdale County residents used the public‑comment period to demand immediate action after a recent dog attack that seriously injured a child, saying at least one dog involved tested positive for rabies and that they had repeatedly contacted law enforcement with no response.
"Why are those dogs back on that property?" Kate Bush asked the board, describing graphic injuries and saying the child required treatment in Ann Arbor. Residents who identified themselves as neighbors supplied witnesses' accounts and said they had video showing dogs at large. John Boot and other commenters urged the county to remove the animals and enforce animal‑control laws; one resident warned of vigilante action if officials did not act.
Prosecuting Attorney Jamie told the board she had spent a day obtaining materials and reviewing hours of video related to the incident and asked for follow‑up investigations. County commissioners said Michigan State Police are handling the probe and that the prosecuting attorney's office would receive the investigative report.
Speakers repeatedly said the local sheriff's office did not initially investigate their complaints; one commenter said the sheriff refused to accept a written complaint and that the matter was later referred to state police because of an alleged conflict of interest. Commissioners urged residents to work with law enforcement and the prosecutor, and noted that enforcement of animal ordinances typically falls to the appropriate law‑enforcement agency.
There was no formal vote on the matter during the meeting; commissioners said follow‑up would occur through the public safety chair and the prosecutor's ongoing review.
