Property owner denies responsibility for dozens of dead animals

IONIA - A man who lived at a Montcalm County home where dozens of animals were found neglected, starved, and dead admits it is unacceptable.

"Disgusting," says Michael Schumacher. "Very."

31-year-old Schumacher says he moved away from the home in Six Lakes a month ago when he and his wife, Theresa separated.

"I have not lived there for a month," says Schumacher.

Theresa Schumacher has now also moved from the property. Neighbors say the animal cruelty problem goes back years.

They say dogs, cats, pigs, goats and chickens were allowed to suffer and starve to death on the Schumacher property.

"We got dead animals everywhere," says neighbor Dorothy Byrne. "This has been going on for a long time."

A team from the sheriff's department and animal rescue rounded up carcasses and animal skeletons from the property. In one instance a dog was found dead still chained to a stake.

"I feel just like anyone else," says Schumacher. "There is no reason for an animal to suffer."

Deputies will send their report on the property to the county prosecutor. She will decide if the Schumacher's will be charged with a crime.

"There are misdemeanor crimes and felony crimes for killing animals, torture and not caring for animals," says prosecutor Andrea Krause.

The Montcalm County Animal Control Department is reorganizing under a new director. A spokesman says that may explain why there was not an earlier response to complaints about cruelty on the property.