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Detroit settles whistleblower lawsuit with former animal control officer

More than 100,000 cats and dogs are euthanized at Michigan animal shelters annually.
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Morguefile
More than 100,000 cats and dogs are euthanized at Michigan animal shelters annually.

The city of Detroit has reached a settlement with a former animal control officer who alleged widespread wrongdoing.

Brittany Roberts filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, animal control and police departments in October 2015.

She made a number of claims, ranging from unsanitary conditions at the city’s animal shelter, to deliberate animal cruelty.

Roberts claimed she was retaliated against and eventually fired for raising concerns.

This week, the Detroit City Council officially signed off on a $63,000 settlement in the case.

The city has also made a number of changes since Roberts’ lawsuit was filed, including moving animal control from police to health department oversight, and hiring a new director.

It’s also in the process of hiring a consultant to advise on animal control policies and procedures.

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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