EAST BAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ) - An East Bay man has been arraigned on a felony charge related to animal abuse and neglect after authorities found over 160 dogs living in poor conditions on his blighted property.
Raymond Roy Feagles, 72, appeared in federal court on Tuesday where documents reported he also faced a contempt of court charge from his blighted property case the township brought against him last year.
Feagles pleaded not guilty and was given a 10% option -- or $5,000 -- on a $50,000 bond related to the animal abuse case. Due to alleged threats Feagles made against authorities when they tried to remove vehicles from his property previously, Feagles was also ordered by the judge to have restricted contact with any East Bay Township official, his wife and the humane society.
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According to details released from the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, officials from several agencies coordinated to serve a blight violation notice and begin a court-ordered clean up effort on Feagles' property on Friday, Jan. 28. When police and other city officials arrived at the Supply Road address, they discovered dogs not only roaming freely around the property, but also crammed into trailers, campers and cages that littered the yard -- none had access to water or food.
When police entered Feagles' house, 100 dogs were found in 1,150 square-feet of living space.
At least one dead dog and a bag full of deceased puppies were also recovered from the property.
Despite being supported by multiple agencies -- including local animal control officers, public health officials and sheriff's deputies -- authorities said the discovery of the animals was overwhelming and animal control officers from six other counties were called in to assist.
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"A rescue effort of this level was not predicted nor could have been anticipated by any agency," a press release from the sheriff's office said.
"Individuals involved in this effort, and their agencies, wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to the supporting organizations and the community."
The Cherryland Humane Society and Grand Traverse Animal Control stepped up to oversee efforts to house and medically treat the animals which they said were part of a large scale breeding operation. The Cherryland Humane Society took to Facebook to thank the community for their support as supplies, food and monetary donations of over $25,000 came flooding in.
Further details surrounding the rescue effort have not been released while the sheriff office continues their investigation. Dogs found deceased on the property will be thoroughly investigated through Grand Traverse County Animal Control.
Officials said the prosecuting attorney's office and the sheriff's office are working together to see if further charges are warranted based on additional evidence obtained.
Feagles is set to appear in court on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.