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- Michigan, USA -

 

According to the Michigan State Police press release obtained by Voice For Us, on the morning of October 8, 2024, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Cadillac Post was called to a report of animals at large. Upon arrival at the scene the Trooper saw 61-year-old CAROLYN JEAN BRAUN (pictured), who was loading several dogs into a pickup truck.

 

The Trooper questioned BRAUN about it and she said she was taking the dogs “to a veterinary appointment downstate.” The Trooper asked which vet office and BRAUN provided the name.

 

However, when the Trooper called the vet, he learned that there was no appointment scheduled for BRAUN.

 

BRAUN told the Trooper she had eleven dogs but the Trooper counted them and realized there were eighteen dogs instead.  

 

From an inspection of the premises, it emerged that the dogs “had been living [in] very poor conditions”, stated the release.

 

Manistee County Animal Control stepped in to remove all the furvictims.

 

After a report was turned over to the Manistee County Prosecutor's Office, a warrant was issued for BRAUN’s arrest and she was taken into custody at her property in Thompsonville.

 

During her arrest, another dog was located inside a large conversion van and the furvictim was turned over to Manistee County Animal Control.

 

BRAUN was arraigned in the 85th District Court in Manistee County on one count of abandoning/cruelty to animals, one count of stray dog, and one count of failing to keep dogs vaccinated. She was given a $2,500 bond.

 

BRAUN’s next court appearance is set for November 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

 

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Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Michigan State Police provided to Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

 

BRAUN’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by Michigan State Police


- Michigan, USA -

 

An investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, led to the arrest of 56-year-old SCOTT ALLEN THOMPSON.

 

Back in June 2024, conservation officers showed up at THOMPSON’s family property on Thorton Road in Atlanta, with a search warrant regarding a dead horse.

 

According to the DNR’s press release, at the farm measuring more than 50-acres, officers discovered a total of ten (10) deceased animals, including: two chickens, four geese, a horse, a pig, a quail, and a rabbit.

 

The owners were ordered to properly bury the horse while the remaining nine animals were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in East Lansing for necropsies. Results showed that “starvation and dehydration were the causes of death”, stated the release.

 

On July 18, 2024, THOMPSON was placed under arrest.

 

Five days later, conservation officers returned to the property with a second search warrant and as stated in the release, they were “shocked to find numerous animals starving, with no water and poor living conditions.”

 

A total of seventy-five (75) animals were removed from the farm and officers were able to take them to other facilities where the innocent souls received proper care.

Among the rescued animals were cats, eight (8) chickens, mini cows, four (4) dogs, fourteen (14) geese, two (2) goats, horses, seven (7) pigs, piglets, one (1) rabbit, fourteen (14) sheep, one (1) turkey, three (3) turtles,

 

On August 2, 2024, THOMPSON was arraigned at Montmorency County 88th District Court and pleaded not guilty to four charges, including:

 

·  One felony of failing to provide animals with adequate care.

 

·  One misdemeanor of animal cruelty.

 

·  Two misdemeanors for improper burial of dead animals.

 

THOMPSON is scheduled to return to court on August 16, 2024.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources advised that they are seeking a second suspect in this case.

 

Chief Jason Haines, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division, said in statement: “This is a rare situation for the DNR to get involved in, as domestic animal complaints and investigations are not our primary responsibility or focus. However, there were no other resources available. This is a very large-scale animal abuse case, and something had to be done.”

 

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

 



- Michigan, USA -

 

~ Update: May 2, 2024

 

I have heard back from Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.  Its Executive Director, Elise Ramsey, advised that “There were no deceased animals on the property. Zero animals were euthanized, and they are all thriving in our care with basic husbandry, clean bedding, and fresh food and water.”


Ms. Ramsey further advised that: “They are LOVING acting like cats should act....chasing fake mice and feather wands, sampling all of the delectable treats we have to offer and basking in the sun with fresh air flowing through the windows. Finally living the life they deserve. Several were suffering from intestinal parasites, in need of medical grooming, and in need of dental cleanings. They are all getting the care they need and deserve, and some have already found their forever homes.”

 

Ms. Ramsey kindly shared a picture of Bixby, one of the dogs who was rescued. Bixby was recently adopted.

 

 

~ Original story


Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema announced that 30-year-old RAVEN RENEE STAINES and her mother, 60-year-old DEBORAH RAYE PALCOWSKI, have been charged with animal cruelty after more than fifty (50) animals were rescued from a suspected hoarding case.

 

According to the press release by Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema obtained by Voice For Us, the investigation in this case began when an Emmet County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the duo’s home for an unrelated issue and saw “numerous animals and concerning living conditions at the residence.” 

 

On April 16, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and with the assistance of the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, forty-nine (49) cats and two (2) dogs were removed.

 

On the same day, the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society advised through a Facebook post that they had rescued fifty-one (51) animals from the duo’s home and that many of the furvictims needed “medical treatment, grooming, bathing, and foster care.” Several cats also had very young kittens.

 

In a subsequent Facebook post, the nonprofit wrote that the rescued furvictims were settling in to the shelter “and decompressing with comfy bedding, clean water and plenty of food. They all received medical exams yesterday, and are on their way to a bright and healthy future.”

 

The nonprofit expressed their gratitude toward those who donated and helped them face this new hardship.

 

If you wish and can afford to donate, please, click here. Thank you!

 

Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema said that PALCOWSKI was charged with animal cruelty – twenty-five or more animals and lying to a law enforcement officer. The animal cruelty charge carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

 

STAINES is facing one felony count of animal cruelty: four to ten animals, which carries a sentence of up to only two years in prison.

 

PALCOWSKI and STAINES will be arraigned and their cases will be set for preliminary examinations in the 90th District Court for the County of Emmet.

 

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 Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema obtained by Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

 

 






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