MICHIGAN -- The owners of more than 350 dogs confiscated from an Allegan County home earlier this week are facing charges of felony animal abandonment.
George and Cheri Burke, both 64, were each arraigned Wednesday on one felony count of animal abandonment/animal cruelty to 10 or more animals.
George and Cheri Burke, both 64, were each arraigned Wednesday on one felony count of animal abandonment/animal cruelty to 10 or more animals.
Court magistrate Kirby Goodwin conducted the arraignment in Allegan County District Court.
The felony charge is punishable by up to four years in prison, $5,000 in fines and 500 hours of community service.
The dogs were seized Monday from the couple’s 104th Avenue home and barn in Cheshire Township.
The Allegan County Animal Shelter was flooded with the animals, mainly Shih Tzus, in what one volunteer called a “sea of dogs.”
Many of the dogs were covered in feces and fleas. Some had eye issues and many were Both of the Burkes requested court-appointed attorneys.
Each posted a $5,000 personal recognizance bond following the arraignment and were released from Allegan County Jail.
Meanwhile, the owner of With Our Hands, 303 Butler St. in Saugatuck, wants to continue helping the more than 350 dogs with a fundraiser 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at her shop.
Wendy Wise spent 12 hours at the animal shelter on Monday, taking video of the dogs as they were assessed and cleaned.
She will collect donations of towels, sheets, food, detergent, paper towels, rubber gloves, pet crates, cash and checks. All donations will go to help the shelter handle the animals.
“They were all so sweet,” Wise said about the dogs. “I was there when the first truck came in and when the last truck came in.”
She recommends that checks be made out to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, the group that oversees the animal shelter.
She will collect donations of towels, sheets, food, detergent, paper towels, rubber gloves, pet crates, cash and checks. All donations will go to help the shelter handle the animals.
“They were all so sweet,” Wise said about the dogs. “I was there when the first truck came in and when the last truck came in.”
She recommends that checks be made out to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, the group that oversees the animal shelter.
Her shop opened last year and sells hand-crafted items and jewelry. Some of the jewelry is dedicated to Wishbone, with a portion of the sales going to the animal rescue group.
(The Holland Sentinel - Apr 11, 2012)
