Debra Lewandowski (also spelled Deborah Lewandowski on other news sites), 53, faces one count of animal abandonment/cruelty involving more than 10 animals. She was arraigned Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Alpena District Court and will be back before a judge for a hearing in the case on Oct. 1.
Alpena sheriff's deputies and animal control officers executed a search warrant Aug. 11 on Lewandowski's farm along M-65 as part of an investigation into alleged animal abuse and neglect.
According to Animal Control Officer Lexee Cronk, 30 dogs were found running free inside a house, their fur matted and covered in feces. Horses gathered in a "small shack" along with pigs inside a barn, the only daylight coming through a crack in the door.
The horses had been given little, if any, time outside, Cronk said. Several donkeys outside had hooves that were curled — a sign the hooves may not have been trimmed in months.
Also on the farm were horses, pigs, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and a large number of birds, according to Cronk.
Many of the animals were taken to other area farms where volunteers had offered to help with rehabilitation. The Huron Humane Society of Alpena was tasked with treating and helping the rescued dogs, nursing them back to a healthy weight.
The Humane Society accepts donations of dry and wet food at its 3510 Woodward Ave. location in Alpena. Monetary donations can be sent to the Huron Humane Society at P.O. Box 733 Alpena, MI, 49707. The shelter could not be reached early Thursday, Sept. 24, for updated information on the dogs' adoption status.
(MLive - Sept 24, 2015)
No comments:
Post a Comment