WARREN, Mich. – A Macomb County woman pleaded no contest on Wednesday to one count of animal abuse against 10 or more animals.
Michelle Reyntiens, 57, of Warren, was arrested in February after a search warrant revealed that 24 animals — including nine adult Pomeranian/Shih Tzus, 11 Pomeranian/Shih Tzu puppies and four turtles — were living in her home in “deplorable conditions.”
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Authorities say the home in the 14000 block of Hobart Avenue was unsanitary and several of the animals appeared to require immediate medical attention.
Police also reportedly found crack cocaine in the home and charged her with possession, however the residue in the alleged drug pipe was insufficient to send to the lab for testing and that charge was dismissed, according to prosecutors.
The animals were surrendered to Macomb County Animal Control in March.
Reyntiens is scheduled to appear at the 37A Warren District Court for her sentencing at 10 a.m. on Sept. 14.