Man Faces One Charge in Animal Neglect Case
Some Concerned That Animals Could Be Returned
By Ryan Schlehuber

Larry Roney of Rexton will face one misdemeanor charge of animal abandonment and cruelty to more than 56 animals on his farm at a pretrial hearing in Mackinac County's 92nd District Court Tuesday, February 26. The county animal control officer and citizens who have donated money toward the care of animals seized from his farm are concerned that, ultimately, some of the animals could be returned to Mr. Roney, as the county prosecutor has pointed out weaknesses in the case.

Mr. Roney was arraigned Thursday, January 31. The February 26 pre-trial hearing begins at 10 a.m.

The maximum penalty, if he is found guilty, would be 93 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

Most of the animals were seized by Mackinac County Animal Control Officer Wendy Frosland and a few volunteers January 10, as reported in The St. Ignace News January 17. The seized animals have been placed in temporary shelters.

More than 10 animals were left behind, including a stallion, which needs a special shelter before it can be relocated, said Mrs. Frosland. Other animals include five dogs, one donkey, chickens, bobcats, and porcupines. Mr. Roney had a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to have bobcats and porcupines on his farm, said Fred Feleppa, Mackinac County prosecuting attorney.

The county seized 17 horses, 12 goats, nine dogs, seven llamas, four donkeys, three bobcats, two porcupines, and two pigs. Almost half of them are pregnant. 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.

Where the animals go is ultimately up to the judge, if Mr. Roney is found guilty, said Mr. Feleppa. If charges against Mr. Roney are dropped, his animals will be returned to him.

"While some facts seem horrendous, there are some weaknesses in the case," Mr. Feleppa said. "They are still Mr. Roney's animals at this point."

Mrs. Frosland said she was unable to remove some animals from the farm for fear that the animals would be traumatized by relocating them to unfamiliar surroundings.

Mr. Roney's lawyer refused to allow Mrs. Frosland to return to the farm days later to seize the rest of the animals without another warrant, she said.

Nine local residents have volunteered to take in some animals, while others are sheltered at the county's animal shelter in St. Ignace. So far, one dog and one horse had to be euthanized. Mrs. Frosland was told by local veterinarians who treated the animals after they were seized that a few more animals should be euthanized.

Mackinac Animal Aid Association's George Ford told The St. Ignace News that more than $4,000 has been donated toward the care of the animals, however, Mrs. Frosland said many donors are asking for their donations to be held or returned if the animals are returned to Mr. Roney.

Cheboygan Co-op donated a truckload of animal food, Mr. Ford said, and the Women of the Moose, Lodge 999 in St. Ignace, donated $2,000 to help care for the animals.

"Even in tough economic times, people have made such generous donations," he said.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a national animal rights organization, has asked the prosecutor's office and county commissioners to prosecute the matter in such a way as to keep the animals from being returned to Mr. Roney.

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.