April Suiter Steven Suiter

GLADWIN -- A couple was arraigned last Wednesday on two charges stemming from the suspected animal neglect case of a male Boxer dog named Dunn Madra.

Dunn was dropped off at the Gladwin County Animal Shelter Feb. 21 weighing only 25 pounds — his normal weight should have been around 70 pounds.

According to MSP reports, the man who dropped the dog off — saying he was a stray — was actually the animal’s owner.

The dog was released to Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue Feb. 28 and immediately examined by a veterinarian at Southside Animal Hospital in Lansing.

Dunn died late that night, and necropsy reports show that he ultimately died as a result of cardiac arrest, but starvation and a severe flea infestation were contributing factors.

MSP was requested to assist Gladwin County Animal Control with the animal abuse investigation March 14. According to a press release issued by the MSP, tips were received from members of the community as a result of an article published in the March 12 edition of the Record & Clarion.

MSP also received assistance from Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue, Southside Animal Hospital and animal control officers in Gladwin and Clare Counties.

April Dawn Suiter, 31, of Hazel Park (formerly of Gladwin) and Steven Joseph Suiter, 31, of Gladwin were arraigned March 27 in 80th District Court on charges of killing or torturing an animal, a five-year felony; and animal cruelty, a 93-day misdemeanor. Bond was set at $15,000 cash/surety for Steven Suiter and $10,000 cash/surety for April Suiter, both with the condition that they can not possess any animal. She posted bond March 27 and he posted bond March 28.

A preliminary exam is set for April 7 at 9 a.m. for both April and Steven Suiter.

According to police, the couple said the dog was ill and wouldn’t eat. Photos obtained from the couple indicate the animal was healthy in December.