Kimberly Savino was convicted Thursday, April 23, of violating her probation by failing to establish a place of residence so she could complete 400 hours of community service.
As a result, Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock ordered her to spend the next 90 days in the Kent County Jail.
But the 33-year-old did get some relief because the amount of restitution she will be required to pay the Kent County Animal Shelter is reduced from $100,000 to $39,127.
In court Thursday, defense attorney Robert Levi argued that his client was told that she could travel between her parent's home in Massachusetts and Michigan to report to her probation officer.
However, the Michigan Department of Corrections wanted her to transfer her probation oversight to her home state, but Massachusetts officials rejected the plan.
According to testimony from probation officers, Savino refused to set up residency in
Michigan or another state that would allow the transfer. This violated her probation.
Trusock did throw out the accusation that Savino was living in a home with other dogs, noting that Savino's parents own a dog and it does not belong to the defendant.
Savino pleaded guilty in September to cruelty to animals after 37 dogs were seized June 27 from the home in the 2300 block of Oakwood Avenue NE by Kent County Animal Control from conditions Redford described as "absolutely filthy and disgusting in nature."
Animal shelter personnel testified that an "overpowering" smell emanated from the home and the dogs were soaked with urine and feces and suffered from skin and dental problems.
It took several months for veterinary personnel to rehabilitate the dogs to the point where they could be placed in permanent homes.
Nevertheless, Savino maintained that she provided good care for the dogs and that it was her roommate's husband who was responsible for the condition of the dogs.
Related: Woman who kept 37 dogs in 'filthy' conditions gets probation, prohibited from owning animals
Levi said he plans to ask Trusock to allow his client to withdraw her plea.
"My client was, in fact, a victim in this case of people who abused her," said Levi during a hearing last week.
Savino's attorney said his client is on permanent Social Security disability due to a variety of medical conditions including arthritis, lupus and a claim that her skull is too small for her brain, causing her pain that has to be treated with medication only covered by her parent-provided insurance in Massachusetts.
Levi said his client was unable to pay the $100,000 restitution, which she is now ordered to pay in monthly installments of $40. At that rate, it would take 208 years for the amount to be paid in full.
Trusock reduced the restitution to $39,127 because those are the charges that can be directly documented by the animal shelter.
After she is released from jail, Savino will no longer have court-ordered restrictions on her residence or ownership of domestic animals, according to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.
(MLive - April 23, 2015)
Earlier:
- 39 dogs removed from Grand Rapids home; caretaker could face criminal charges
- Alleged dog hoarder arrested, charged with animal cruelty and neglect of 39 dogs
- Put up $106,000 or lose the dogs: judge to woman who had 39 dogs seized from house
- 'Happiest day ever' - New homes will be coming for 37 dogs rescued from alleged neglect case
- Woman who kept 37 dogs in 'filthy' conditions gets probation, prohibited from owning animals
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