ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. – St. Clair County Animal Control said they recovered over 200 animals, dead and alive, from a property on Thursday.
Authorities responded to an undisclosed location in Clyde Township on March 5 after receiving a report of a welfare concern at the property.
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According to the county’s animal control, in collaboration with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, they recovered over 100 live animals, ranging from ducks, chickens and goats, from the property. About 99 other animals on the property were found dead.
The minimum care requirements for livestock under Michigan law include adequate food, potable water, sanitary living conditions, and access to a structural or natural windbreak, Interim Director and Animal Control Officer Rachel Walch said.
Walch said the county’s animal control has seen an increase in situations where residents start small or “hobby” farms without doing proper research into caring for livestock and farm animals.
“Raising livestock requires constant access to feed, clean water, proper shelter and ongoing oversight,” said Walch. “Anyone considering starting a hobby farm should thoroughly research the care requirements and ensure they have the time, resources and knowledge necessary before acquiring animals.”
According to Walch, the person involved has voluntarily surrendered the animals, and the investigation is ongoing.