COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A total of 101 animals have been removed from a Cottrellville Township home from a couple hoarding the animals in unsanitary conditions, police say.
Animal Control officers say 98 dogs and three cats were either taken by them or were turned over by the homeowners to two other animal rescues.
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The Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division and an Animal Control officer went to a home on the 7500 block of South River Road on June 14 after neighbors made a call to complain about the loud barking and foul odors coming from the home.
The homeowners allowed Animal Control officers inside on Tuesday and they removed 22 dogs from the home. On the same day, homeowners turned over another 23 dogs to a Colorado based Norwegian Buhund rescue who arranged foster homes for the animals throughout Michigan.
On Wednesday, an Animal Control officer along with deputies returned to the home, this time with a search warrant, to remove the remaining dogs. A search warrant was needed because the homeowners refused to cooperate after already turning over 50 dogs the day before.
A total of 38 more dogs and three cats were removed from the home Wednesday, and it was discovered the couple had given the Blue Water Humane Society six dogs before the deputies came to the house.
In all, there were 98 Norwegian Buhund, Norbottenspet and Norwegian Spet mixed dogs and three house cats in the home. The animals were in overall good physical condition, but were covered in feces and urine. The couple allowed the animals to roam free around the house.
Police say the incident remains under investigation and the couple faces possible code violations and criminal charges.
The animals will be cleaned up and cared for by Animal Control and will be evaluated for adoption or rescue.