Dem Senate nominee’s Detroit record resurfaces after ‘dog slaughterhouse’ claims

Key Points:

• Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over his tenure as Detroit health director, particularly regarding the animal control department's high euthanasia rates and allegations of mistreatment.
• When El-Sayed took over Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) in late 2015, the live-release rate was about 20-26%, which improved to around 61-62% by late 2016, though thousands of animals were still euthanized during this period.
• A 2015 whistleblower lawsuit by former DACC officer Brittany Roberts accused the shelter of neglect, unsanitary conditions, inadequate food and medical care, and improper euthanasia practices; the city settled the lawsuit for $63,000 in 2016.
• El-Sayed’s campaign emphasizes that he inherited a dysfunctional operation, implemented pay raises, staffing improvements, better facilities, and partnerships that significantly increased the live-release rate and reduced euthanasia.
• Despite improvements, DACC continued to face legal challenges, including a 2016 federal order restricting dog seizures without warrants, highlighting ongoing operational and oversight issues during El-Sayed’s leadership.