Emmet County Sheriff's Office seeking criminal charges after 51 animals rescued
EMMET COUNTY — Dozens of animals were rescued in a partnership between the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society and Emmet County Sheriff's Office this week after they were discovered in a suspected hoarding situation.
Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said an EMS call was made to the residence on April 7. A person had to be removed from the home, which was on Orchard Road in McKinley Township, due to medical complications resulting from the house's "deplorable conditions."
There was a smell and cat feces within the home, Wallin said. The sheriff's deputy worked with an animal control officer before receiving a search warrant to go in and remove the animals.
A total of 49 cats and two dogs were rescued from the home.
The rescue is the first time the sheriff's office and LTBHS have worked collaboratively on a scene, according to Facebook posts by the humane society. Wallin said they called the shelter because the sheriff's department didn't have any place to put the animals.
Wallin said all animals have been removed and the department is seeking criminal charges in animal abuse through the prosecutor's office. The person cannot be named at this time because they have not been arrested, Wallin said.
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The humane society is collecting donations to help offset the cost of care, which is expected to be around $15,000.
"We’re happy to report all 51 of the pets we rescued yesterday from a hoarding situation in Emmet County are settling in to our shelter and decompressing with comfy bedding, clean water and plenty of food," one Facebook post said. "They all received medical exams yesterday, and are on their way to a bright and healthy future.
"We are so incredibly grateful to everyone that has donated towards the care of these animals so far. Their cost of care is estimated to exceed over $15,000. Thank you for your unwavering support and compassion for animals in crisis. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these innocent animals, right here in our community."
The animals are expected to need medical treatment, grooming, bathing and foster care. Young kittens were among the animals rescued.
Those interested in donating to the shelter can do so at ltbhs.com/donate or through the Facebook page. People interested in fostering can contact sgraves@ltbhs.com.
The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society was unavailable for comment by the time of publication.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Emmet County Sheriff's Office seeking criminal charges after 51 animals rescued
