Detroit Refuses to Release 'Ace' to Dog Rescue League

DETROIT (WJBK) - The fate of Ace the dog is still up in the air. Tuesday, Detroit City Council drafted a resolution to save the stray's life, but it may not be enough.

"It seems like a simple request. If we can make sure that we are not liable for what happens with the dog if we were to transfer it to this rescue league, then why is that such a big deal?" City Council President Charles Pugh said.

The pit bull mix was found near an Ace Hardware store in Detroit late last week. Now affectionately named Ace, Detroit City Council voted Tuesday morning to draft a resolution to try to save his life.

Rapper Hush has been taking a lead as an animal rights advocate. He and others take issue with the city's policy on strays that have pit bull in them -- wait four business days and if an animal like Ace is deemed unadoptable, they're put to sleep.

"Everybody is finally stepping up and saying this is a problem. We all recognize it. Let's do something about it. Now, hopefully it starts with Ace. Obviously, President Pugh recognizes that, as do other members of City Council," he said.

Tereasa Michalak showed reporters a license from the Department of Agriculture to prove her group, K-9 Strays, is legitimate. They're asking for Ace to be transferred to their care, taking cost and liability away from the city.

"There is so many rescues that are good. They do good work. They take care of their dogs," she said.

Later Tuesday, Michalak and her group met with a representative from the Health Department.

"They told me they would not be breaking any of the procedures that are currently in place, that they will not release any kind of pit bull, including Ace," Michalak told us.

The group is now considering legal action against the city. For now, the city's policy sticks. Thursday will be the end of four business days. Friday, Ace is scheduled to be euthanized.

Michalak's group is not giving up so easily. They have made an appointment with the mayor's office. They say they want to sit down one-on-one with him. He's the only person at this point who can save the life of that dog.

In the meantime, they say they will be sitting down after the holidays with the city to try to change the policy and allow shelter to shelter rescues.

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