(WWJ) — A Holly woman has been charged with animal cruelty after what prosecutors say was a case of neglect that required her dogs to be euthanized.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office announced the charge against 32-year-old Ariel Lowes on Thursday.
The prosecutor’s office says a veterinary clinic alerted Oakland County Animal Control on Jan. 10 about a dog they had euthanized with the owner’s consent.
Officials said the dog had been suffering with a cancerous tumor on its face that had ruptured weeks earlier.
They also discovered Lowes had another dog that was “discovered to be in medical distress.” While no further details about the second dog’s sickness were released, the dog was also euthanized “for humanitarian reasons,” the prosecutor’s office said.
“It’s unacceptable for animals to be made to suffer like this for an extended period. The veterinary clinic workers deserve praise for recognizing something was wrong and alerting authorities,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said, per a press release.
The prosecutor’s office says “resources are available if animal owners have obstacles to obtaining veterinary services, but humans have an obligation to care for animals in their possession.”
“I encourage everyone, if you are struggling to care for an animal or suspect an animal is being mistreated, please contact Animal Control,” McDonald said.
Oakland County Animal Control can be reached at 248-858-1090.
Officials have not released any information about Lowes' bond or next court date.