From the Detroit News:

Hush's crew of volunteers sees firsthand what happens when dogs are left to wander the streets: puppies fending for themselves die in cold, empty homes; starving dogs feasting on the frozen remains of other dogs; carcasses lying along freeways, the last stop for strays on the move.

Strays have become "an increasing challenge," said Harry Ward, manager of the city's animal control division. The division takes in about 2,500 stray dogs a year. That number doesn't count those taken through seizures, owner surrenders or quarantines, he said.

"My department is committed to increasing our efforts to try to control that situation," said Ward, who added that the job has been affected in recent years by the division's smaller budgets, fewer officers and employee furlough days.

That's where Hush's group and others come in. Detroit Dog Rescue, for instance, which tries to find foster homes for the animals it rescues, is also hoping to raise $50,000 to help set up a no-kill animal shelter to help curb the city's euthanasia rate that animal control officials put at 81 percent. The group has raised $15,000, mostly through Web donations, and rescued 20 to 25 dogs.

"We're trying to save these dogs from their doom," said Hush, whose real name is Dan Carlisle.

Detroit rapper Hush with a handful of volunteers are determined, raiding derelict houses in freezing temperatures to feed and care for the city's strays.

The mayor... [Read More]