Newaygo Animal Control seizes 85 animals in raid

NEWAYGO, Mich. (WZZM) - Newaygo County Animal Control says it recently raided a house belonging to a woman who was hoarding 85 animals, mostly dogs.

While many of the dogs had to be euthanized, several of them have spent the past two weeks recovering at an animal rescue facility, and are now ready to be adopted out to stable homes.

When Animal Control raided the Newaygo County house, they discovered mal-nourished, diseased and, unfortunately, some dead animals.

The raid happened two weeks ago, and since then nine German Shepherd/labrador mix puppies and seven short-and-long-haired Chihuahuas have been cared for by Lake Haven Rescue in Newaygo.

On Tuesday, six more German Shepherd/labrador mix puppies were delivered to the facility.

"It's an ongoing investigation and they are still seizing animals from the property," said Cheryl McCloud from Lake Haven Rescue.

85 animals in total. 81 of them were dogs and four cats were seized.

"There was cruelty," said McCloud. "There were dead dogs involved; there were mal-nourished dogs involved, and very sick animals involved."

But many of the healthier animals are being brought to Lake Haven Rescue, where they can be properly treated, then placed under foster care until a permanent owner comes along.

"The dogs that I have here are only because the owner voluntarily surrendered them at the time of the seizure," added McCloud.

More animals from the raid continue to arrive at the rescue facility, including a big German Shephard named "Chance."

McCloud also says that more than 35 Chihuahuas were taken from the house during the raid and many of them are ready to be adopted out.

"The Chihuahuas are scared and frightened of their new environment," said McCloud. "They're requiring intense fostering, and they're doing really well."

Also up for adoption is "Trudy", a 2-year old Chocolate Lab.

"[Trudy's] probably the least damaged," said McCloud. "She was outside of the home and actually had her puppies underneath an abandoned car which sounds really bad but it was much better than the conditions inside the home."

When Cheryl McCloud looks at the seized animals that are entering her rescue facility, she says it's hard not to wonder what they've been through.

"It's hard not to wonder how they've suffered, but you really need to focus on going forward, and on what you can do for them now," added McCloud.

If you're interested in adopting one of these dogs, check out Lake Haven Rescue's website.

The investigation into the homeowner who hoarded all the animals is ongoing.