Hoarding - 21 animals seized Milan, MI (US) Incident Date: Monday, Sep 26, 2005 County: Washtenaw Local Map: available Disposition: Not Charged Abuser names unreleased

Case ID: 5612 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull), rodent/small mammal (pet) View more cases in MI (US) Login to Watch this Case

Although some 21 animals were removed from a Milan residence on Sept 26, the animal cruelty officer involved said no charges would be filed against the subject involved.

"I honestly believe the person involved in this had good intentions, she just got in over her head with the animals," said Julie Curtis, animal cruelty officer with the Huron Valley Humane Society.

That Monday afternoon, Milan Police officers responded to a complaint of barking dogs at a home in the 700 block of Dexter Street.

Some eight dogs, six rats, two ferrets, one cat and four kittens had free reign of the home's interior.

"The officers noticed the unsanitary living conditions of the home, which was a lot of urine and feces throughout the residence," Curtis said. "She was extremely receptive and cooperative with us in removing the animals from the home."

Two of the dogs were returned to their rightful owners who had been boarding them at the residence. The remaining cats and dogs were turned over to responsible adults while the HVHS cruelty officer supervised.

"We required that she find responsible homes for the remaining cats and dogs and I stayed and waited until that was done," Curtis said.

It took about 4-1/2 hours to completely remove all of the animals.

"The ferrets and rats were taken to the Humane Society Animal Shelter," Curtis said.

According to Milan Police Dispatcher Diane Schroeder, officers had been receiving several calls for some time for barking dogs in that neighborhood. In addition, some neighbors complained of foul odors emitting from the residence.

The Milan code enforcement officer inspected the property on Tuesday and determined that the person living in the home who was boarding the animals was not the owner of the home, but a tenant.

"The tenant has 10 days to clean up the home. Right now it is unsanitary and uninhabitable," said Code Enforcement Officer Kim Spitler. "I saw no structural damage, but there's definitely a lot of cosmetic damage, this has been going on for months and months."

"The homeowner suspected there was a problem in the home but didn't realize the extent of the problem," he said.

Spitler indicated that the homeowner had placed the home on the market for sale, and had been attempting to take back the house for some three months.

"It was a fairly decent sized home, but there was defecation and urine everywhere. I believe she meant no harm, she just failed to commit to the animals that she had. Often people just get in over their heads and need help and guidance. We can help them get back on their feet."

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References

Milan News - Sept 29, 2005

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