An Isabella County sheriff’s deputy investigating a reported attempted rape at a Wise Township property on Wednesday afternoon instead discovered a puppy mill from which 31 animals were rescued.
The 48-year-old owner was expected to get formally charged Thursday afternoon, including in connection to the allegation that he’d held a 28-year-old woman down and molested her while trying to remove her pants.
The dogs on the property in the 7000 block of East Grass Lake Road were used for breeding puppies sold either as hunting dogs or to protect and/or herd livestock, according to the director of the Isabella rescue operation that received the dogs. An additional dog was found dead and unburied.
Animal welfare advocates in Isabella County have been aware of the property for years, said Amanda Tillotson, director of the Humane Animal Treatment Society. For years, the property owner published commercials on his Facebook page advertising the sale of dogs bred and trained for hunting.
The 31 animals were taken to the Isabella County Animal Shelter throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening, she said. She was told that some dogs remain on the property and are running loose, so they expect more dogs to arrive.
Deputies from the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office were aided by animal control officers from Isabella and Gratiot counties.
The 30 dogs — 22 of them female — were reported kept on the property without access to shade. Many of the animals were terrified at being indoors, Tillotson said, an indication that they’d never spent time under a roof.
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None of the animals displayed aggressive behavior but they aren’t used to being around people. Many of them came to the shelter with matted fur. Animal shelter staff are also monitoring them for behavior.
The animals still technically belong to the property owner, which is constraining efforts to find places for all of them, she said. Two adoptable dogs have been relocated from the Isabella County Animal Shelter to the Clare County Animal Shelter to help ease the extra load created by the influx of dogs.
Tillotson said she’s hoping the courts will secure the release of the animals Thursday so they can find new places for them to receive medical care with the ultimate goal of adopting them out.
HATS is soliciting help from the broader community. The organization, which is contracted by the county to operate the shelter, needs collars, harnesses and leashes for large animals; canned dog food (any kind); dog treats; Purina One puppy and adult dried dog food; large chew nyla/benabones and large Kong toys; dog treats and peanut butter; non-perishable chicken or beef broth; trash bags; medium-sized examination gloves; paper towel and Clorox wipes; carabineers and zip-ties; and Gatorade for staff, according to a social media post. Money donations are also welcome.
The shelter already received 40 crates from Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect.
In addition to the animals, firearms and ammunition were discovered on the property. The man had a previous felony conviction and was arrested — in part — for his possessing guns.
