A 77-year-old St. Clair Township woman claimed she was overwhelmed trying to care for 83 toy-sized dogs that were seized from her property last fall. Irene Burns pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of attempted animal abandonment or cruelty for four to 10 animals at a hearing late last year and was sentenced Friday. According to a search warrant for Burns’ property, her kennel was licensed with St. Clair County Animal Control, allowing her to own up to 60 dogs. Authorities say Burns was ordered to serve 30 days in jail immediately. She was sentenced to jail for 365 days, with 335 days suspended upon completion of two years of probation. She must also pay restitution of $8,205.
