ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - A St. Clair County woman is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after more than 80 small dogs were seized from her property.
Court records show 77-year-old Irene Burns was arraigned Monday on a charge of abandoning/cruelty to 25 or more animals. A not guilty plea was entered.
The 83 small dogs -- including Pomeranians, Poodles, Yorkies and Malteses -- were discovered inside stacked wire cages at a property in St. Clair Township last month. Five cats and two birds were also seized, according to reports.
Some of the dogs were said to be suffering from medical issues while others were dirty with matted hair.
If convicted as charged, Burns faces up to seven years in prison and a $10,000 fine.