Concern from neighbors, as police removed nearly a dozen cats from a Traverse City home Wednesday morning.
Northern Michigan’s News Leader was there.
Traverse City police arrested Courtney Eggli (aka Courtney Aimee Brigman-Eggli, Courtney Brigman, Courtney Brigman Eggli).
She's now charged with attempted animal cruelty involving more than ten animals.
9&10’s Caroline Powers has been following the investigation all day.
You can tell from the stench, this home was not a good place for people or pets.
Police had to wear hazmat suits to go inside.
This isn't the first time they've been here to Courtney Egglis' home.
Their investigation began in June and to this day they've removed 22 animals from the home, while Eggli has taken another 15 to the vet or humane society for help.
“In the last week or so the circumstances have become more grave,” says Sgt. Kevin Gay of the Traverse City Police Department.
Concern from neighbors over a terrible smell and sick looking animals led Traverse City police back to this house Wednesday morning.
“Started looking at the dog and she was in really rough shape. Very thin. Losing a lot of her hair,” says neighbor, Terry Holovka.
Terry Holovka found this dog wandering the neighborhood last week.
When she found out it came from Courtney Eggli's house, she called police.
“The investigation centered around the neglect of animals. Numerous cats and a dog and the general living conditions for the two family members that lived here,” says Sgt. Gay.
The Traverse City police and fire department responded to the house again Wednesday morning.
Wearing hazmat suits, they removed ten cats from the home. Five of them already dead.
“The conditions as far as air quality was intolerable. Smell. And then there was a flea infestation and we were aware of, that's why we came protected for that type of environment,” says Sgt. Gay.
Traverse City police say there is a possibility more animals could be inside the house.
A full report is also going to the prosecutor’s office and more charges are expected.
(9and10News - Aug 18, 2016)
