PONTIAC, MI – A Michigan woman has been charged after investigators found 37 neglected animals living at a home in Oakland County.
Karmen Alletia Schooly, 47, of Pontiac has been charged with cruelty to 25 or more animals and operating an unregistered animal shelter, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald announced this week.
Oakland County Animal Control responded to the residence in Pontiac on Sept. 27 where they found 29 dogs and 8 cats living in “unfit” conditions.
Schooly is also not registered or licensed to house animals, prosecutors said.
“Housing dozens of animals that you can’t take care of is not a ‘rescue,’ and neglecting or abusing animals is a crime,” McDonald said in a statement. “I applaud Oakland County Animal Control for saving these dogs and cats from deplorable conditions.”
Oakland County Shelter Manager Bob Gatt also weighed in on the case.
“We are committed to ensuring that all animals in Oakland County are safe and protected. The conditions these animals were found in are unacceptable, and we are doing everything we can to support their recovery and secure a safe future for them,” he said.
The cruelty to animals charge is a felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, probation and community service.
The illegal animal shelter charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
