Merced Community Rallies for Justice for Husky Amid Animal Cruelty Investigation
Animal advocates and community members in Merced, California, rallied outside the Merced County District Attorney's Office on Friday, demanding justice for a husky named Sweetie. The demonstration follows an ongoing animal cruelty investigation by the Merced Police Department involving an unhoused man and his pet husky. Reports of alleged abuse and neglect concerning Sweetie date back to last year, with viral photos and videos showing the dog in an extremely thin condition. Residents, including Melanie Matthews, described Sweetie as 'very skinny, very not fed' and observed her being made to run behind her owner with a muzzle. Florence Lambert of the Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Board of Directors stated that supporters hope to prevent the owner from regaining custody of Sweetie and from owning any other animals. Sweetie is currently in protective custody, and Merced police have submitted evidence to the District Attorney's Office, which will determine if criminal charges will be ... 
