Animal advocates and community members gathered Friday outside the Merced County District Attorney's Office in California, demanding justice for a husky named Sweetie who is at the center of an animal cruelty investigation. The rally follows a Merced Police Department investigation into allegations of abuse and neglect involving the dog and its unhoused owner, with reports dating back to last year.
Supporters of Sweetie, represented by the Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), are urging prosecutors to prevent the dog's owner from regaining custody. "We are out here trying to convince the district attorney to never have this man have Sweetie back nor to never allow him to another animal," said Florence Lambert, of the Merced SPCA Board of Directors.
The case gained widespread attention online after videos and photos of Sweetie circulated, including an image depicting the dog in an emaciated state. Some local residents reported witnessing the husky's condition firsthand.
"She looked very skinny, very not fed. She had the look in her eyes like he was making her run behind him really fast. She had a muzzle," said Merced resident Melanie Matthews, who described seeing the dog.
Sweetie is currently in protective custody. Merced police stated that officers spent weeks gathering and submitting evidence to the District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors will now determine whether to file criminal charges.
The Merced SPCA received an update on Sweetie's condition from law enforcement earlier this week. According to Lambert, "They are the ones that advised us that Sweetie is doing as well as she can. She's eating; she's not cowering. She's a very loving dog."
Advocates are also encouraging residents to bring the issue to the attention of Merced city leaders, urging them to attend an upcoming City Council meeting on Monday.