Ten officers were summoned to remove 108 dogs, eight cats and a horse from a home in southwestern Michigan’s Van Buren County.
Sheriff Dale Gribler says many animals were underweight and had fleas or deformities. Animal waste was found both inside and outside of the home. Gribler says living conditions at the property in Lawrence Township were “horrendous.”
Donald Frederick Smith, 40, and Melissa Kay Copen, 45, are being held at Van Buren County Jail on $2,500 cash bond. They’re expected to be arraigned on animal cruelty charges.
Deputies began investigating the home in the 56000 block of 52nd Avenue last week. A search warrant was issued Tuesday.
The county’s animal control department and other rescue organizations are taking care of the animals, which were each photographed and tagged. Local veterinarians are also providing services.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.