WARREN, Mich. – A Warren County woman waived her Preliminary Exam on a felony charge related to her alleged care of multiple animals in her home.
Michelle Reyntiens, 57, waived the exam and was bound over for trial on June 4.
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Reyntiens is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Anthony R. Servitto in the Macomb County Circuit Court on June 15 at 1:30 p.m.
According to the authorities the woman is facing a charge of a 4-year felony, animals abandoning/cruelty to 10 or more animals.
It is alleged that in Feb. a search warrant at Reyntiens’ residence discovered 24 animals, dogs, puppies and turtles, living in deplorable conditions.
Police described the animals as nine adult Pomeranian/Shih Tzu dogs, 11 Pomeranian/Shih Tzu puppies, and four juvenile Red-eared Slider turtles.
Animal control responded and removed the animals from the home.
A civil forfeiture hearing for the animals was held on March 11.
Judge Etheridge entered a forfeiture judgment against Reyntiens.
The animals became the property of Macomb County Animal Control.
“Animals depend on their owners and caretakers for their health, safety, and well-being. When that responsibility is ignored, the consequences can be devastating. My office is committed to holding individuals accountable when animals are deprived of the care they need.” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.