MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich — The woman charged with animal abuse after nearly 80 dogs were rescued from her Norton Shores home appeared in court on Thursday.
In January of 2023, nearly 80 dogs were seized from her home after it was reported to law enforcement that they were living in "deplorable" conditions.
Jenn Self-Aulgur, executive director at Harbor Humane Society, said the past 14 months from seizure of the animals, to her Thursday plea, have been difficult.
They took in over 20 of the dogs last year. She said they lost six of them to distemper.
"It was a pretty traumatic time for our staff here and to fight so hard for animals, as we do everyday, but to lose them, it was a really hard time," said Jenn.
As head of Cober's Canines, Cober was facing a charge of animal abuse and neglect, and with pleading guilty, she's now looking at 5 years of probation, during which time she would not be able to own or possess any animals, and a pre-sentencing psychological assessment.
And while the 14 month journey for shelters and survivors of Cober's canines, people like Jenn are still saddened that this happened in the first place.
"Animals give us the unconditional love and they have just this basic blind trust in that human's are going to do right for them, and she is someone that has failed them time and time again," said Jenn.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.