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Detroit Man Charged with Possessing Fighting Dogs
and Animal Cruelty

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Julian Akyan, 29 (DOB: 05/05/1989), of Detroit, in connection with possessing dogs used for fighting, cruelty to animals, and weapons offenses.

On March 8, 2019, at 12:50 p.m., an investigation was conducted by the Detroit Police Department and the Michigan Humane Society at a house in the 14000 block of Edmore, and three other Detroit locations, connected to the defendant. As a result, approximately 30 dogs with bite trauma and injuries consistent with dog fighting were recovered. It is alleged that the defendant possessed animals and equipment for the purpose of illegal dog fighting. It is further alleged that he possessed firearms and ammunition.

Akyan has been charged with:

1) Felon in Possession of a Firearm (FIP); 2) FIP - Ammunition; 3) Animal Fighting; 4) Possession of Fighting Animals/Equipment; 5) Cruelty to 10 or More Animals; 6) Cruelty to four to 10 Animals; 7) Felony Firearm - five counts*

He was arraigned out-county on March 10, 2019 before Judge Bari Blake Wood. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 21, 2019 at 8:30 a.m.; the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for March 28, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Both hearings are before Judge Michael Wagner in 36th District Court. The defendant received a $50,000/10% bond.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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