56 Animals Seized From Farm; Neglect Charged
By Ryan Schlehuber

Fifty-six animals, including seven llamas, were seized from a Rexton farm by Mackinac County Animal Control Thursday, January 10, owing to neglect. Corey and Mariah Cole were among volunteers to temporarily shelter the animals until the case is heard in 92nd District Court. (Photographs by Wendy Frosland)

Fifty-six animals were seized from a Rexton farm by the Mackinac County Animal Control Thursday, January 10, owing to neglect. The charge will be made in the 92nd District Court in St. Ignace. A preliminary hearing date has yet to be set.

Wendy Frosland, Mackinac County's animal control officer, aided by Luce County Animal Control, seized 17 horses, 12 goats, nine dogs, seven llamas, four donkeys, three bobcats, two porcupines, and two pigs.

Mrs. Frosland said she had been working with the owner for more than a year but had to take legal action after a Manistique farrier made a complaint after visiting the farm to tend to the horses.

Most of the animals are frail and thin and almost half of them are impregnated, Mrs. Frosland said. One dog had to be euthanized and several more are so sick they will probably have to be killed, too.

"It is the worst case of animal neglect Mackinac County has ever seen," said Mrs. Frosland. "They were living in their own feces, and the donkeys have never seen the light of day."

The hooves of all of the donkeys and most of the horses are foundered (inflamed) and overgrown. All of the animals were kept in pens.

None of the animals are rabid and there were no signs of physical abuse, other than not being fed or given proper health care, said Mrs. Frosland.

Until the district court rules otherwise, all of the animals have been temporarily relocated in Newberry, St. Ignace, and Trout Lake, and all of them have received or will receive veterinary care. The two pigs are at the Mackinac County Animal Shelter.

If the owner is found guilty, Mrs. Frosland will have to find new owners for all of the animals.

"We can't relocate them until after the case is done, but I'm looking for adoptive owners as we speak," she said Monday evening.

Donations for the animals' care can be made to the Mackinac County Animal Shelter. Send donations to 980 Cheeseman Road, St. Ignace, Michigan 49781. Call 643-7646 for more information.