Puppy is now safe in a loving foster home after enduring brutal attack. Now Animal advocates are calling for tougher penalties for abusers—What do you think?

On Monday, Feb. 3, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO) deputies responded to a fast-food restaurant in Macomb Township at 11:27 a.m. after being alerted to a dog being “abused inside of a camper van,” per the MCSO.

At the time, a witness told authorities that he saw the suspect — a 25-year-old man from Manistee, later identified as Corbin Miller — repeatedly hitting the puppy with what he called a “cylindrical item.”

The MCSO shared images of the item and the dog, who was shown lying down with a cone around her neck.

Miller, who authorities say refused to comply with deputies and allow Animal Control access to the dog, was then charged with third-degree killing/torturing of an animal and two counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer.

While at the scene, authorities discovered the puppy, Maeby, in the camper van with “visible injuries to her leg and yelping when picked up.” According to Macomb County Animal Control chief Jeff Randazzo, Maeby suffered a skull fracture, pelvic girdle fracture, and a femur fracture.

Miller’s bond was set at $100,000, and he is being held at Macomb County Jail.

After Miller’s arrest, things have been looking up for the Michigan pup. On Thursday, Feb. 6, Macomb County Animal Control announced on Facebook that Maeby has relocated to a new home.

Macomb County Animal Control (MCAC) revealed that the puppy, who underwent “extensive surgery” at a specialty surgery center, is now in recovery and has a new foster home “secured for her healing journey. “

MCAC thanked locals for being a “voice for the voiceless,” noted that Maeby still needs extensive medical treatment, and encouraged the community to donate to an emergency medical fund. The money raised goes directly toward her surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

According to the fund’s webpage, the fund “directly supports the urgent care and treatment of severely injured or sick animals in our community” and plays a “vital” role in life-saving measures.

“Please help us give Maeby the love and healing she deserves,” Macomb County Animal Control wrote in its Facebook update, also encouraging locals to continue advocating for animals who suffer “unthinkable abuse.”

“In Michigan, many animal abusers do not receive significant sentences due to how animal cruelty offenses are categorized under state law. Because Michigan’s sentencing guidelines are based on prior record and offense variables, defendants without prior records often do not receive jail time — even for severe cases of abuse,” the MCAC wrote.

“In many instances, sentencing guidelines do not recommend incarceration at all, treating animal cruelty more like property crimes rather than serious violent offenses, and this needs to change. If you [see] something, say something.”