Investigation launched in disappearance of 14 animals in hoarding case

MICHIGAN -- After 14 animals disappeared from a house in such deplorable condition that township officials demanded it be cleaned within 10 days, an investigation has been launched.

Today marks the 10th day.

Animal Control Officer Marty Bertera responded to complaints in June from neighbors who said animals from a house in the 19000 block of Cooper were using their flower bed “as kitty litter” and they were not being cared for properly.

Complaints also were made by other neighbors.

Bertera went to the house June 13 and citations were issued once it was discovered there were seven dogs and seven cats, along with some squirrels, in the house.

Generally, residents are allowed only three pets without having special licensing.

A hearing on the citations is expected Wednesday in 33rd District Court.

Aside from saying there were fleas and feces inside the house, township officials decided not to elaborate any more on the extent of the conditions inside.

The owner and a relative were residing there. No children were staying at the house, officials said.

According to Bertera, another trip to the house was made Aug. 8.

In all, six citations have been issued pertaining to the animals and the condition of the house.

Concern has mounted ever since then because the adults and all of the animals are gone.

The animal control officer said it was his understanding that the animals were going to be turned over to the township’s shelter.

“They were nowhere to be found,” Bertera said.

He said the owner was to get a license for the animals and distribute some of them but never followed through on the plan.

Township Attorney Kevin Foley said there also is concern because a dog that belonged to the owner of the house recently was spotted wandering around a McDonald’s restaurant.

He said he is hoping the animals were not just turned loose.

Bertera said no other animals have been found, so he doesn’t believe they were released in the township. He said he believes he would have been receiving calls if that were the case.

“We are just concerned about what happened to them,” Bertera said. “I’ve been investigating and searching the area and haven’t been able to find them.”

All of the dogs are “small ankle biters,” according to Bertera, not pit bulls or dangerous animals.
This is the township’s first animal hoarding case.

“These things very seldom happen,” Bertera said. “We try to work with people. We don’t want to take anyone’s animals.”

(The News Herald - August 18, 2013)