Viral social media posts allege that Dr Abdul El-Sayed was responsible for the mass euthanasia of shelter dogs in Detroit.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: In the wake of Dr Abdul El-Sayed’s triumph in the Michigan Democratic Senate Primary, online platforms became flooded with a damaging rumor accusing him of managing a dog slaughterhouse. While the claims triggered widespread public backlash and demands for verification, a closer examination reveals the truth behind the controversy.
Claim: Abdul El-Sayed operated a dog slaughterhouse
Shortly after his primary victory, critics began scrutinizing his past tenure leading Detroit’s health department, which oversaw Detroit Animal Control.
Online allegations accused El-Sayed of overseeing a “dog slaughterhouse” and being directly responsible for high rates of euthanasia among the city’s sheltered animals.
A viral meme that circulated widely read: “Abdulrahman El-Sayed got EXPOSED for the dog slaughterhouse he ran as Detroit’s Director of Health, where they killed 74% of all dogs in their ‘care’. MAGA Mike Rogers’ odds of winning are SURGING!”
These claims gained further traction when reported by the Daily Mail and shared by high-profile Republicans, such as Laura Loomer.
Fact Check: False — the shelter issues predated El-Sayed’s leadership
Ultimately, the rumors are unfounded. Evidence demonstrates that the accusations twist pre-existing conditions at the animal shelter that were documented long before El-Sayed took charge.
When animal control operations were transferred from the Detroit Police Department to the health department in 2015—coinciding with El-Sayed’s appointment as executive director of the city’s health department—he inherited a deeply troubled system.
Public grievances regarding the treatment of animals at the facility were already well-known prior to his tenure.
In fact, as early as June 2015, thousands of citizens signed a petition demanding the closure of animal control amid reports that the facility was euthanizing 95% of the animals it took in.
Donald Trump targets Abdul El-Sayed
El-Sayed’s primary win also drew direct political fire from President Donald Trump during a series of campaign speeches in Las Vegas.
“When I watch Abdul, he’s full of s**t,” Trump remarked to crowds. “Put him in office, you’re going to find out what he loves. He doesn’t love Israel. He doesn’t love Jewish people. He hates them. He hates them with a passion that burns in his heart.”
Trump later doubled down on the attacks via a Truth Social post, writing: “Wayne County (Detroit) in Michigan is one of the most corrupt voting areas in the United States, if not the World. It is strictly Third World! Miracles happen in Wayne County, including more votes being cast than there are voters, by a lot.”