A Washtenaw County rescue group is running out of space after seizing 108 animals this week from Salem Township home.
On Wednesday, investigators seized 39 exotic cats, 20 kittens, 18 purebred dogs and 16 puppies, 14 chickens, and an African grey parrot. HSHV said that the animals were found in negligent care and were forced to live among a pile of feces, slimy water bowls and a bowl full of maggots. Some of the animals were confined in the basement with no air.
Additionally, the animals were in a unhealthy state as many of them were found unmatted and underweight.
HSHV said that owner, who is self-described as a "hobby breeder," didn't have a breeder or kennel license. None of the animals were licensed as well.
"This individual was selling puppies and kittens from $1100 to $1800, so there was no excuse for their poor care," said Michele Baxter, HSHV's Cruelty and Rescue Manager.
Under Michigan Penal Code Act 328 of 1931 Section 750.50, failure to provide inadequate care involving 10 or more animals constitutes a felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 4 years and/or a fine up to $5000 and/or community service for up to 500 hours, plus possibly being ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.
The society said that its seeking charge against the owner.
HSHV received the news of the animals being in negligent care from a tip from the public. While the animals are currently being treated for medical care, Wendy Welch, Communications Director for HSHV said that it will be a while before any of the animals are available for adoption, which is why the organization isn't releasing any details about the type of cats and dogs that were found.
"I'm slightly resistant to mention which ones because I don't want people calling thinking they can adopt them yet," Welch said. "We have lots of animals already in the shelter and so to make room for the care of these animals, we need to get the animals out that we currently have available for adoption."
Last month, 71 animals were rescued from the home of an Augusta Township Supervisor. The organization said that those animals, along with 108 that were recently seized, has made its space full to capacity.
Because of this, HSHV is offering discounted adoption fees for a limited time to encourage adoption of more animals. Adult cats are free. Kittens are adopt-one-get-one-free and adult dogs are fifty percent off. Descriptions of those animals can be found here.
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