(COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP) — St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon says more than 100 animals have been removed from a house in St. Clair County, where they were found in unsanitary conditions. 98 dogs and 3 cats were either removed by Animal Control or turned over by the homeowners. Deputies responded to complaints about odor and barking Tuesday at a home in the 7500 block of South River Road in Cottrellville Township. Deputies found more than 70 dogs inside. They were in good condition, but covered in feces and urine. The sheriff’s office says some of the dogs were seized Tuesday, but an animal control officer who returned Wednesday to take the remaining animals was refused entry. Authorities obtained a search warrant and seized the remaining dogs Wednesday afternoon. A total of 38 dogs were taken to the county animal shelter to be cleaned up and evaluated for adoption or rescue. Six of the dogs were surrendered to the Blue Water Humane Society before deputies returned Wednesday. According to the Animal Control Office, the homeowners moved to Michigan from Colorado in hopes of breeding and selling the dogs. The incident remains under investigation to determine what charges may be filed against the homeowners.
