Three people have been arrested after Michigan authorities discovered them living in “deplorable” conditions with a 9-year-old boy, surrounded by starving, mistreated animals, including a dead puppy stuffed inside a pizza box, officials said.
The shocking case unfolded in Flint when AT&T workers reported $30,000 worth of stolen cables from a nearby work site, prompting deputies from the Genesee County sheriff‘s office to investigate, sheriff Christopher Swanson said.
Upon arrival, deputies were met with a disturbing scene: a dead dog locked inside a cage outside the home. Inside, they found dogs so emaciated that they appeared to have gone without food for weeks—and a horrifying discovery of a puppy’s remains inside a pizza box.
“You don’t treat animals this way,” Swanson said in a video statement, visibly outraged by the neglect.
In addition to the appalling conditions, deputies found a 9-year-old boy living among the filth. Swanson did not specify the child’s exact relationship with the three adults but called the situation unacceptable.
“Three adults, two dead dogs, two emaciated dogs and a 9-year-old boy,” he said, calling the case one of severe neglect.
The suspects Kelly Walker, 29, Charles Ashbaker, 38, and Douglas Nelson, 47, now face multiple charges. Walker and Ashbaker were charged with child abuse, animal cruelty, and killing and torturing animals. Ashbaker also faces a felony firearm possession charge. Nelson, meanwhile, was charged with theft, drug possession, and resisting arrest after allegedly fighting with officers.
The child has since been placed under the care of child protective services, while the surviving dogs were taken to a rescue centre.
Walker and Ashbaker are being held on a $10,000 bond, while Nelson’s bond was set at $5,000, according to court records.
Swanson emphasised that help is available for those struggling to care for children or pets, urging people to seek assistance rather than resort to neglect.
“If you’re in a position where you can’t take care of your children or your animals, don’t treat them in the way we see in this case,” he warned. “Because we’re going to come for you and hold you accountable.”
