Detroit, MI — A Detroit man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say two dogs were abandoned outside in freezing conditions, leaving one animal dead and another severely neglected.
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Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy announced that Christopher Alan Draughan, 36, of Detroit, has been charged in connection with the case after investigators say the animals were left outside in extreme cold.
According to prosecutors, the incident happened February 1, 2026 at approximately 4:45 p.m. when Detroit police officers and Detroit Animal Care and Control received a report of two neglected dogs at a home in the 3400 block of Garland Street on the city’s east side.
When officers arrived to investigate, authorities say they discovered one severely emaciated dog that had already died and another emaciated dog that was still alive but suffering from neglect and exposure to the cold.
The surviving dog was transported to the Advanced Animal Emergency Hospital, where it received treatment, according to prosecutors.
Following an investigation by the Detroit Police Department, Draughan was arrested on March 2, 2026.
Prosecutors have now filed multiple charges against him, including two counts of Animals Killing/Torturing — Second Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Firearm, Animals — Abandoning Cruelty to One Animal Resulting in Death, and Animals — Abandoning Cruelty to One Animal.
Prosecutors say Draughan now faces multiple felony charges including:
- Two counts — Animals Killing/Torturing (Second Degree)
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Felony Firearm
- Animals — Abandoning Cruelty Resulting in Death
- Animals — Abandoning Cruelty to One Animal
Draughan was arraigned Thursday morning in 36th District Court before Magistrate Delphia Burton, where the court set a $20,000 personal bond.
The case will continue later this month. A Probable Cause Conference has been scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Preliminary Examination on March 19, 2026 at 8:45 a.m. before Judge Ronald Giles.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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