WARREN (WWJ) -- A 57-year-old Warren woman faces up to four years in prison on felony cruelty charges involving two dozen animals found in her home.
Michelle Reyntiens is charged with Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
She opted to waive her Preliminary Exam in the case, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
The charges stem from an investigation in February 2026, when the Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) executed a search warrant at Reyntiens' home.
Investigators discovered 24 animals living in what authorities described as deplorable conditions.
The animals rescued from the home included:
- Nine adult Pomeranian/Shih Tzu dogs
- 11 Pomeranian/Shih Tzu puppies
- Four juvenile Red-eared Slider turtles
Animal control officers responded to the scene and removed all of the animals from the property.
Following the rescue, a civil forfeiture hearing was held on March 11, before visiting Judge Russell Ethridge at the 37th District Court. Judge Ethridge entered a forfeiture judgment against Reyntiens, officially turning ownership of the animals over to Macomb County Animal Control.
"Animals depend on their owners and caretakers for their health, safety, and well-being. When that responsibility is ignored, the consequences can be devastating," said Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement. "My office is committed to holding individuals accountable when animals are deprived of the care they need. We will continue to pursue justice on behalf of vulnerable animals and the community members who expect these laws to be enforced."
Reyntiens is scheduled to be arraigned in circuit court June 15.
