Judge Blocks Warrantless Searches For Vicious Detroit Dogs
DETROIT (AP) - A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction that prevents Detroit animal control officers from searching homes for potentially vicious dogs without a warrant.
U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds's injunction Monday blocks enforcing an ordinance that previously allowed animal control officers to search homes for dangerous or vicious pets without a warrant. That power was granted to officers in 2004 when the city's Animal Control Ordinance was amended.
City officials have defended the city's efforts to enforce animal control laws.
Floyd Hardrick says animal control officers broke into his Detroit home July 13 while he was at work and seized his three dogs. The dogs died after being seized by the officers, according to The Detroit Free Press. Hardrick and others argue it was an unreasonable search.
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