Oshtemo Twp. dog owner charged with animal cruelty

OSHTEMO TWP., Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – An Oshtemo Twp. woman has been charged with animal cruelty, after animal control officials found malnourished, abused and even dead dogs at her home.

Tuesaday, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink authorized one count of animal cruelty and neglect charged against Andrea Kay Allen.

According to Fink, the charge stems from an investigation by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Oshtemo Township Ordinance Enforcement Officials, over a complaint received about Allen's home on West KL Avenue.

When officials arrived at the home they noted a strong, rancid odor emanating from the structure and were told by neighbors that the property owner had not been seen in three days. 

“The conditions within this home were absolutely deplorable," said Prosecutor Fink.  "The officers who responded needed air masks to breathe while they were inside working to rescue the dogs from that environment.”

Twelve live, caged dogs were found inside the house.  There was no food or water for the animals, and the bottoms of the cages were covered in approximately two inches of feces.  All of the animals were partially covered in feces, and four of the dogs were found to be malnourished.  In addition, the remains of four dead dogs were found in cages within the home.

“It’s difficult to understand why or how any living creature could be kept in such conditions,” said Fink.

The charge is a felony offens,e punishable by four years of incarceration and/or $5,000, up to 500 hours of community service, and restitution for the cost of care and housing for the animals.

The court may also order that the defendant will not be able to own or possess any animals. Prosecutor Fink used a new Michigan law that elevates the level of criminal prosecution when ten or more animals are abused.