Andrea Rosebrock 
Bruce King, General Manager, Environmental Health Service for the City of Detroit, that oversees Detroit Animal Control, issued a statement today to the press. They went ahead and killed Ace.
The injunction issued by the Wayne County Court was not received by Detroit Animal Control or the City of Detroit. At the end of business today, the dog referred to as Ace was euthanized following expiration of the four day holding period and departmental policy.
We are not insensitive to the overwhelming appeal from citizens for an alternative approach. We are, indeed, heartened by these appeals. However, if we grant this one exception, we are simply not set up for what will undoubtedly lead to overwhelming appeals in similar cases.
This situation regarding the dog retrieved from the Ace Hardware store has now started to impact the safety of the residents of the city of Detroit. Urgent calls for help from elderly citizens, school principals, postal supervisors and the police are going unanswered because our Detroit Animal Control dispatch line is overwhelmed with calls from outside of the city, state and even the country.
The City of Detroit protects the right of each citizen to own up to four dogs regardless of breed and many, many Detroiters choose to own one or more pit bulls with our blessing. DAC returns many pit bull dogs to owners every year. There are several communities in Southeastern Michigan who not only refuse to return pit bull dogs to owners but go beyond that and ban ownership of these dogs entirely.
Detroit Animal Control is operating under policies and procedures enacted to control the stray animal population and prevent injury to persons; especially children and the elderly. DAC is acting in accordance with the Stray Holding Law facilitated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture that mandates quarantining stray animals for 4 days; while ensuring they are provided care. Further, DAC does not adopt out or release pit bulls or pit bull mixes and will not release any dog (regardless of breed) unless proof of ownership can be established through a dog license or supporting documentation such as prior veterinary records.
There have been a number of people who have claimed ownership of the dog that have failed to provide adequate proof, including identifying the dog in the kennel, or having the dog recognize or respond to the individuals’ calls.
We are proud of the dedication of Detroit Animal Control Manager, Harry Ward and his officers for risking their lives every day protecting residents of this city. Attacking their character and integrity is disingenuous, disconcerting and disappointing. We receive calls every year from hundreds of citizens who are appreciative for the work they do.
Bruce King
General Manager, Environmental Health Services
Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion
Well, his contempt for saving Ace is clear in his statement. And I would like to remind this POS that his story of not receiving court orders is full of shit. If the television stations and other news media knew about it, thousands on Facebook knew about it, then he did. Not only do we have his contempt of citizens of Detroit, animal lovers, and his own City Council (Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh advocated for Ace’s release), we have his blatant Contempt of Court. Hopefully Bruce King’s buns will be served up on a platter to the Judge.
Bruce King, General Manager, Environmental Health Services Dog-Killing Bureaucrat. Picture from his Twitter Account.
Storm’s thataway, Detroit.
God help you.
i'm dumbfounded. how could that happen? he had a court order. this is just plain wrong. just wrong.
Apatently they did'nt receive it,what a load of bull-****.
I hope they throw him in a jail cell after tortuing him that has pictures of the dog he killed on the walls,with mechanical jaws that open to give food and close on him when he trys to get it,only giving him enough food and water to survive just to torture him.
How could you do this? You MURDERED an innocent animal that could of been saved! He would of found a loving home and family but you all took that away from him! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU AND MAY YOU ROT IN HELL FOR THIS!!!!
Sick bastard. Why kill animals, they were on this earth before any human. I say let them roam and be free, just bc they are aniamls does not mean they dont think nor have feelings. Whats next are we going to start putting down innocent HUMANS TOO???? I hope the "Dog-Killing Bureaucrat" ROTS along with the rest of them who put animals down.
Nasty, evil dog murdering bastard. He needs to be fired immediately.
Shared. This is an abuse of authority and he should wipe the smile from his face pronto. Shame on you Mr. Pugh! You dont ignore court orders if you care about your JOB. The ironic thing is that ACE went to a better place in the end , no matter if you tortured him in the process who the hell knows but once thing is for sure, someday Mr Pugh there will be a special place in hell for you.
Um…Amy…it's not Mr. Pugh that's the bad guy. Charles Pugh advocated for Ace's release to a rescue.
I am appalled at the insincere, rediculous, bunch of CRAP, Bruce King, is spewing from his wretched lips! You are a KILLER! You are no better than the scum of the earth! You will pay for what you have done! You knew there was an injunction, yet chose not to abide by it! I hope this Judge, puts you in jail with a bunch of animal lovers! YOU SHOULD BE FIRED! Bruce King, you are being watched, by the entire world! If I were you, I'd be looking over my shoulder……………
I think it takes a very sad man to kill a dog that could have been saved. How many more will you kill for kicks? I can only hope one day you need the help of an animal and they turn there back on you. A day will come when you need to answer for your actions and I hope they are not as heartless as you.
his job better be available ASAP….this is insanity………where is the humanity in this, are we just bureaucratic monsters?????? SHAME ON YOU DETROIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr King just a couple of questions.
You say "We are not insensitive to the overwhelming appeal from citizens for an alternative approach. We are, indeed, heartened by these appeals. However, if we grant this one exception, we are simply not set up for what will undoubtedly lead to overwhelming appeals in similar cases."
How many starved dogs are you expecting to find in similar cases? I know there are horrible cases all over the world but I don't remember another case of a starved dog in an Ace hardware store anywhere in the USA.
You say "This situation regarding the dog retrieved from the Ace Hardware store has now started to impact the safety of the residents of the city of Detroit. Urgent calls for help from elderly citizens, school principals, postal supervisors and the police are going unanswered because our Detroit Animal Control dispatch line is overwhelmed with calls from outside of the city, state and even the country."
Surely even a fraction of the number of calls you got would have been enough to tell you that the eyes of the world were on you and the City you represent. Instead of using this time to show what a great city you have, you chose to show the world instead that Detroit has no heart. There's following the rules you have and doing the right thing, you chose to follow the rules and take the life of a dog that had suffered more then enough in his short life, the right thing would have been to let him live even if in a sanctuary. Shame on you Mr King
This guy says that making an exception would cause issues! Well this was not an "exception", this was a living, breathing, feeling, hurting, frightened being who sought shelter/safety from humans even though humans were the reason he was in that condition because animals are constantly giving us far more chances than we deserve!
FYI King…we know that we can't save all of them, but every once in awhile are lucky enough to get the chance to save one. Well Ace was your chance because you were given resources that you may not have with all the other furbabies that cross your path and you decided not to take the possible gift of being able to save *just this one*! Ever heard of karma…..
How could you do this to su h an innocent dog. He was obviously in desperate need of medical aid, a safe environment and love. You denied him all three- and then some!! When I first saw ACE'S picture, the one where his back was turned to the camera, my heart broke into a million pieces…I have seen a lot of heartbreaking pictures of animals, but there was a big difference..Ace looked like he gave up on living, and instead of letting him out and giving him a chance at a good life with a caring person… YOU KILLED HIM???!!!? YOU KILLED A VICTIM!!! SO MANY people were so concerned, people wanted to pay for his medical bills, people wanted to get him out of there and give him love, you denied him that!!!! I ask you WHY??? must be nothing else but that you were on some major POWER TRIP!! Where are your hearts, you didn't care about him what so ever. You would rather see a dog die then see one happy!! And that in my book is EVIL! you are NOT HUMAN! You have NO SOUL! You are a walking black hole!!!
Just when he started to gain weight and things were looking up, you stabbed US ALL IN THE BACK, you murdered him, WE WERE MADE TO BELIEVE HE WAS GOING TO GET THE TREATMENT HE NEEDED AND FINALLY GET A CHANCE AT A REAL LIFE ….but because your obvious selfish needs, you destroyed a precious baby! You just COULDN'T LET HIM AND US WIN…COULD YOU??!?!?!!! You were sooo jealous of Ace getting so much good attention, so you decided to do what you thought would make it go away…now we see right through you, and you will be the ones getting all the attention, people know you are horrible, selfish, heartless, uncaring and very cruel people ACC!! May your children get the same treatment as he did. I'll pray for
that… RIP ACE<3 ..my love<3
ACE BABY<3 run for the bridge and know that you were so loved my dear. So wanted by so many.
Mr. King, you are a murderer, heartless and cruel ! And one day you will go to hell, I'm sure. Murderers go there, always!
And you my brave little Ace, you went with love from people all over the world to the land over the rainbowbridge.
All the best little baby!
King is a murderous bastard who enjoys being sadistic in his killing rituals. SOB!!!!!!
I am having a hard time with this, because as stated above by others, it was all over the news of the court order – and why is he not in jail for not following a court order? Most others would be behind bars already. I hope someone arrests this bastard and there is an animal loving judge on the bench.
Ace WAS adoptable. I think this bastard just wanted to play God and do as he pleased. God help you King, you will not be welcome at the gates of heaven, and know that you will be growled at as you pass by Rainbow Bridge.
rip sweetheart Ace. Be sure to look me up at the bridge and i will give you the biggest hug and kiss you ever got.
OMG – I was sick when I read this! Didn't deserve what he got! How many more will die in his hands??? Very sad situation. RIP Ace, we all love you and will not forget you.
I'd like to pistol whip and kick that sumbitch till he crapped his pants. That would qualify him as the POS he is and he can then be flushed down the sewer where he belongs.
How do we know the dog was killed on Friday when rumors started earlier? I think they are trying to cover their asses and he was gone a day or two earlier. The lady that went to claim him was shown another dog on Weds or Thurs. Why wasn't she lead thru the kennels to see if she could "spot" her dog? Time to change some city officials asap! The nation is watching Detroit!
Yes, it was speculated they killed Ace days before his hold was up. And that will not matter to the Judge. (Hopefully not matter). Bruce King and his Animal Killing Department led on that Ace would not be released to a rescue. Only to an owner who had the proper documentation (which there was). They led on that Ace was alive to the public, the advocates working for his release, the lawyers, and their own bosses – the Mayor of Detroit and the City Council. And that's what the Judge believed, or he wouldn't of signed that injunction. That said, in the eyes of the court, it's Contempt. Nobody believes for a minute they didn't get that court order. It was handed to them in person by the attorney representing Detroit Dog Rescue and the owner of Ace that came forward.
Bruce King is an arrogant prick. Pardon MOI language, but, Bruce King just fucked himself.
I hope you are correct!!! I'm praying for a hefty fine, firing from his job, and some jail time for his lies and abuse of power. Oh yeah…..and some "personal vengeance" from a few angry people would be appropriate as well. He needs to be held accountable. He chose to make an example of Ace as to prevent similar situations in the future. Well….Bruce King needs to be made an example of to PREVENT this sort of shameful and callous behaviour from ever happening again in this shelter. FIRE HIM AND TAKE LEGAL ACTION!!!
I cannot believe that this shelter is run by such a heartless piece of dirt. He is as bad as the people who are breeding these dogs for dog fighting. Burn in hell for killing this poor sad little dog called Ace !
MR KING IS NOT ONLY A LIER. HE DISOBEYED AN ORDER AND HAD NO INTENTION OF RELEASING ACE. HE DID NOT WAIT THE 4 DAY PERIOD HE IS A LIER. HE DID NOT AND HAD NO INTENTION OF LETTING ACE GO. EVEN FROM HIS WORDS YOU CAN SEE HE IS EVIL AND VERY DISRESPECTFUL OF ANY ANIMAL LIFE AND HE COULD CARE LESS FOR WHAT PEOPLE THINK OR CARE ABOUT. POOR ACE YOU LOOKED FOR HELP AND YOU WERE SENT TO A MONSTER. PEOPLE DO NOT CALL ANIMAL CONTROL CALL A HUMANE SHEALTER AT LEAST THERE THE ANIMAL HAS A FIGHTING CHANCE. AT ANIMAL CONTROL THEY DO NOT!!!! RIP ACE PEOPLE FAILED YOU IN LIFE NOW YOU ARE IN PEACE AND HAVE ALL THE FOOD AND LOVE YOU WANT.
Maria, don't let the words "Humane Shelter" fool you. Some of them are just as bad as this lousy excuse for a human being, if not worse. Just keep that in mind.
I am in shock!! I rescue dogs all the time and I can't believe that this man (I use the term lightly) actually KILLED this wonderful creature of GOD. I hope he never finds himself in a situation where he will need help from other.
Bruce King you and your cronnies will never hear the end of this, you all are pieces of shit and Karma she is a bitch and she is coming after all of you who dirted your hands. You broke the law and now you need to pay, unfortunatly it was Ace who paid the ultimate price for your ignorance and above the law mentality, you are now along with michael vick in my book, nothing but SCUM, period….
I am sick…
I hate sadists, especially ones with subnormal IQs—>
I'm talking to and about YOU, PERP Bruce King!!!
Hopefully The People will not let this go. This "official" believed getting rid of Ace got rid of the problem and the threat to his "authority" and now it will all fade away. He needs another job–perhaps working in a slaughterhouse will be more fulfilling to his nature.
Bruce is a POS. He is a liar. They had the court order and decided to do what they wanted, regardless of the consequences. Who gives a damn that your phone lines are overwhelmed, it's your own damn fault. People like you won't go directly to Hell, they'll spend an eternity in Purgatory where they belong.
In the old days of which I am a part, purgatory was only meant for one to stay for a while. Hell is meant forever and this man goes right to Hell! Also interesting is that the Catholic Church doesn't mention Purgatory anymore, so I guess it's straight to Hell !
Your'e right PAtricia, as it should be!
I just tried to phone Mr. King's office to let them know what I think of Mr. King. They appear to be closed today and his voice mailbox is full. What a surprise. I'll definitely call back on Monday.
Just looking at Bruce King's photograph with his shit-eating grin, it's easy to tell that he is on some kind of power trip.
If I would not be prosecuted for it, I would kill HIM the way poor Ace was killed and not have one qualm about it.
Unfortunately, creatures like Bruce King could not care less about what good-hearted, caring, animal-loving people think about him. So, as long as he is allowed to continue his "reign", he will continue to act like the asshole he is!! He needs to be taken out of office. Also needs to be tarred and feathered and run out of town.
Heartstick or gas chamber for King. the needle is too simple for him. i think we all want him to suffer….
I would love to see these animal murdering wacko bastards euthanased. An eye for an eye.Karma you pieces of crap!!!!You just need to view Bruce Kings photograph to realise that he is mentally challenged.Terminate this POS
You rotten piece of shit King , this poor dog was never given a chance although many were willing to help . It is my observation that the dog was gotten rid of quickly because they thought no one would care . How many other Aces are gotten rid of without no one knowing ? Get rid or this human garbage .It is bad enough that scum treat animals badly , and even worse when people who are to help do not . He even looks like an asshole in his picture
Is it not the law that there be mandatory vet care for those that need it? King needs fired. King needs a lawsuit as does the city of Detroit. Ace's owner came forth even. Someone had stolen Ace 3 months before. RIP Ace. You will not be forgotten.
All this poor soul wanted was help, he walked into that hardware store not much different from a human in trouble or need and it was immedietly known that he needed a helping hand that is all. I am so heart sickened over this, you couldn't imagine. HOW and WHY could or Would anyone take the life of an innocent soul asking for help, it is Beyond dispicable.
Take back America and lets throw all the Dispicable, Heartless,Tyrannical CREEPS the hell OUT!!! It ALL starts at the top at the highest level and our country is in total Dispair we have all Tyrannical Thugs that are destroying this country and making us a third world country! "Ron Paul" is our only help, listen to his message. Yes the condition, Health and welfare of Americas innocent animals IS a political matter, if we lose this country to the Tyrants, we and the Animals lose everything. Our country is becomming dismantled, all our Morals, Faith, Compassion, Integrity being strategically destroyed, look at our military, what they do to innocent animals EVERY DAY, for training purposes! Look at the hundreds of animal testing labritories around this nation that are being funded YEAR after YEAR!!!
He killed a dog that people offered to take and give a home!! I would love to get the news sometime soon that this murdering bastard gets the shit beat out of him!
I believe this is a man who derives pleasure from killing innocent animals or he would have done everything to save this dog. He is probably reading these messages and enjoying them. Beware of him !
I agree with Judy…if King says important calls are going unanswered because outraged people are calling in, well, who's fault is that, jackass? People are outraged because of YOU! As far as I'm concerned, they should hire more people to answer the phones and take it out of your salary…and THEN they should fire your ass!! Typical behaviour of someone like this though…pass the guilt on to other people, right, Bruce? (that's if he feels any guilt…somehow I doubt it).
I live in Ontario, Canada where we have BSL legislation and it DOES NOT WORK. Thousands of innocent dogs who have done nothing wrong (like Ace) are killed every year. First of all, they are failed by irresponsible humans who bring them into this world, knowing what the law is (either unintentionally by not spaying/neutering their pets or intentionally by back-yard breeders to sell them for quick cash). These dogs didn't ask to be born. Then, they are failed by humans again…if caught, they are seized by animal control and killed (I refuse to use the word euthanized like the government does). When will these ignorant people learn that pitbulls are no more inherently dangerous than any other dog?
We are the ones who brought these animals into our lives thousands of years ago & domesticated them because we found them useful to us for hunting, companionship etc. and here we are, thousands of years later, after all they have done for us, still treating them like disposable garbage. Not the living, breathing, feeling creatures that they are, just like us. Like everyone else here I am totally disgusted…disgusted that I am still reading about humans(?) like Bruce King who think of them as exactly that…garbage.
Rest in peace, sweet Ace…you're free now. I hope you know somehow that you were loved & cared about.
Every single action from Bruce King was a cover up from day one. He NEVER had any positive intentions to save ACE or any other dog before him. I bet he and his staff have been doing this for years’ don`t believe that he waited the four day period either. He just never got caught before and obviously neither King nor the staff ever thought that what they have been doing would get out to the public. King`s statement is ridiculous. Endanger the citizens?? WTF are you talking about? Animal control handles police calls now? You are worried what saving ACE could have done for the future? I tell you what!! Keep you from being able to just kill them they way you have done all this time. More rescues and ppl would have stepped up to save as many as possible. That is what you did NOT want to happen since it cuts down your thrill supply. You think you are above the law. NOT. I truly believe that he is an animal abuser and gets his power trips from killing defensless innocent animals. He is a weak sick individual. I can`t call him a "MAN" because a real man would never get off on killing the innocent. As far as the court order he got it!!! Any rational human being would not have needed a court order for ACE to be turned over to a RESCUE. He works in the position he has held to be able to feel big and bad and in control since the abused and killed animals can`t tell on him. So he thought anyway!! Kind of reminds me of the actions of a child abuser. Hurt the innocent because they can`t defend themselves. Well "KING" looks like you are not going to be on your THROWN much longer. You are a waist of space!! The day will come where you will be on the other end of the stick. Karma is a bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This POS LIES. He could have spared ACE and found a good home. Many people were willing to take ACE. If we can't get the laws changed to protect our furry friends then perhaps we should petition for a law on all illegals in this country that are over populating and suggest they be eliminated due to overcrowding and not being able to shoe proof that they should be here. Maybe this will wake them up. What will it take to get rid of all the scum that hurts our furry friends? How about a club upside the head to knock some sense into them. If that doesn't work, then eliminate them. All sounds like a plan to me.
So very sad. I think the only real solution is for as many persons who have a legal right to, should sue. The owner of Ace needs to sue. Money might be the only language the Detroit Animal Shelter understands. Sue till they can't afford to pay their employee or hire again. That might be the only thing that would make Bruce King take notice.
Oh Ace, my heart breaks for you, sweetheart. What a terrible, unnecessary tragedy. I hope the phone lines continue to get overwhelmed with calls about this, "Mr." King, you ignorant, insensitive POS. Disgusting.
Ace was just sitting there, begging for help and they killed him.
Is that, how the homeless and starving getting treated in Detroit? Euthanize them?
Followed his story from the beginning and now signing petitions.
Olivia Sievers, Germany.
Bruce King should be terminated from his position. He has no business working with animals. Just looking at him I want to spit in his face. He is so vile and disgusting. He looks nice and comfortable sitting at his desk getting a paycheck for a position he should be fired from. There are so many animal lovers in the world that deserve that job – he definitely took it upon himself to play "God" and execute an animal that just needed love and attenion. Rot in hell you poor excuse for a human being!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the time everyone gets done with him he will be on the unemployment line!
This story broke my heart. Detroit is a hard place for dogs. But for all the angry people out there, I wanted to tell you that there's a rescue group in Detroit – Home Furever — that is trying to make sure this doesn't happen again. We adopted from them three years ago and have nothing but the uttmost respect for their volunteers. They make heroic efforts to pull adoptable dogs out of high-kill shelters all around the Detroit area. They also recently rescued a large number of pit mixes from a shelter that was closing and planning to put the remaining dogs to sleep. I read the stories on this blog and they break my heart so I just wanted everyone to know that there ARE people looking out for the lost and abandoned dogs of Detroit.
mr king you are nathing then a pill of crapp. you one day will be going to hell!!!!!!!!!! you have not compassion for animals you have not heart not soul!! you are unhumane, you did not have to kill ace the baby pittbull. you are a crip
the mr king is pure evil!!!! i hope you die in a worse way that you kill inocent ace. you think you are a big!!!!your foto is ugly and disgusting, you are nathing!!!!!you do not deserve to be alive. you have not heart all you nathing!!!!
That guy is a POS!!!!
Hey king—Not Mr. & not capitalized-you are not worthy of any respect or recognition like this-I've seen,met & heard of lame minded, heartless morons throughout the 62 years I've lived,and you're right up there with the worst of them-like one of the other posts stated-you & michael vick are almost equals, but you take the cake & 1st prize because of the authority you shortly have to supposedly help animals who need it & how you have abused it.vick never had a position like yours, that's why you're closer to hitler & bin laden than he is-I wouldn't want to be in your shoes–you heartless coward!
Bruce King must be fered or put out of business. Detroit Animal Rescue will, with our support close DAC down by building the first NO KILL shelter in detroit.
King needs fired AND sued along with animal control. If i were King i would be a little fearful of every step where he is not guarded. detroit hs a funny way of potshots from out of the blue–or black, maybe sunset color. Taxes don’t need to support crap.