MUSKEGON, Mich. — More than 13 months after being charged with one felony count of abandonment/cruelty of 25 or more animals, Lisa Cober of Norton Shores pled guilty to that charge in a Muskegon courtroom on Thursday.
Allegations against Cober originated after Norton Shores Police Department, in tandem with other agencies, seized 78 dogs in January 2023 from Cober's Canine Rescue in Norton Shores which Lisa founded.
Police said the dogs were living in deplorable conditions which were unsanitary and overcrowded.
According to court discussion, Cober reached a plea deal with the prosecution. In exchange for her guilty plea, the agreement would have her serve 5 years' probation - during which, she would not be allowed to own or possess any animals - and would undergo a pre-sentencing psychological assessment to address the potential need for counseling.
Following the guilty plea, one of the local organizations that took in the dogs from Cober's Canines reacted to what unfolded.
"Knowing that [Cober's] finally taking responsibility for what she's done, and potentially not going to be allowed to own animals, you know, again, or at least for the next five years, is an exciting prospect, I think, for all of the animal welfare advocates and workers here in West Michigan," Big Lake Humane Society Executive Director Alexis Robertson said.
While restitution was not mentioned Thursday as having been part of the plea deal, Robertson feels it should be considered in the sentence.
"I know, between the shelters that took animals, our vet bills were between $80,000 and $100,000 combined between all of us, and I think that's a cost that she should bear," Robertson said.
"I'm trusting the system, and I hope the judge has seen all of the evidence at hand and will make a good decision when it comes to actual sentencing," Robertson said.
When approached for comment following the plea hearing, Cober and her attorney declined.
Cober's sentencing is scheduled for May 6.
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