Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan's Democratic Senate nominee, is facing criticism for his time as Detroit's health director, particularly regarding animal control.

When El-Sayed took over Detroit Animal Care and Control in 2015, the live-release rate was around 20-26%, but it improved to 61-62% by 2016. The Daily Mail reported that 4,680 dogs and cats were euthanized during El-Sayed's tenure.

El-Sayed is now running for the U.S. Senate, but his record on animal control has raised concerns.

A warning was issued about Abdul El-Sayed as he runs for office.

Michael LaRosa, a former press secretary, questioned the allegations against El-Sayed.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed are pictured together.

El-Sayed's opponent, Mike Rogers, criticized him, saying Detroiters couldn't trust him with their pets.

A whistleblower lawsuit was filed in 2015 by Brittany Roberts, a former Detroit Animal Control officer, alleging animal mistreatment and neglect.

Roberts said she was embarrassed to work at the shelter, where many animals died due to neglect and poor conditions.

Roberts alleged that animals died from lack of food and medical care, and that the shelter was unsanitary.

Best Friends Animal Society reported a 20% live-release rate for Detroit Animal Care and Control in 2015.

A dog is shown at an animal shelter in Los Angeles.

Before El-Sayed took over, Animal Control was under the Detroit Police Department, but it was moved to the Health Department in 2015.

The live-release rate improved to 61% by September 2016, and the shelter expanded its partnerships with animal welfare groups.

Then-Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the improved euthanasia rate was 'more in line with national standards'.

Videos surfaced of El-Sayed backing 'defund the police', contradicting his recent denials.

The Detroit mayor's office acknowledged the high euthanasia rate at Animal Control and said it was transferred to the Health Department to change its culture.

El-Sayed said he inherited a 'mess' at Animal Control and needed someone to trust to fix it.

El-Sayed speaks at a rally in Detroit, Michigan.

El-Sayed's campaign defended his record, saying he inherited an operation with outdated procedures and severe staffing problems.

The campaign said El-Sayed raised animal-care officer pay, moved the operation to a new facility, and expanded partnerships to get animals out of the shelter alive.

The campaign argued that El-Sayed's changes resulted in nearly 80% of animals being placed in homes.

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Detroit's animal control operation faced legal and operational problems during El-Sayed's tenure, including a lawsuit over seizing dogs without a warrant.

Detroit agreed to pay $63,000 to settle a whistleblower lawsuit.

Alec Schemmel is a Politics Reporter for Fox News Digital.