(WWJ) Authorities are investigating an unlicensed animal rehabilitation facility in Michigan after a child lost an arm in an attack.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers led a joint investigation and served a search warrant on Friday at Howling Timbers, a sanctuary facility in Muskegon believed to be illegally breeding and housing animals, including "wolf dogs" – a crossbreed between a wolf and a dog that the DNR says is illegal in Michigan without the necessary permits.
During the search, officers removed six red foxes, three coyotes, four eastern box turtles and two fawns. Other non-native wildlife remains on-site, including 47 illegal wolf dogs.
"The DNR is currently investigating the unlicensed facility," said Steven Burton, assistant chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "We want to make sure that anyone who comes into contact with these animals at this facility is safe, and that all of the animals at the facility are being cared for properly."
Earlier this week, Conservation Officer Anna Cullen obtained a search warrant while following up on a tip. An informant told Cullen that in July a young child lost an arm after being attacked by a dog at Howling Timbers, located on E. Evanston Ave.
A sign showing the way to Howling Timbers, an animal sanctuary in Muskegon.(Photo: Michigan DNR)
Cullen received a copy of the bite report which had been filed through Kent County Animal Control. The report confirmed that on July 23, a 2-year-old child stuck an arm into a cage at Howling Timbers and a dog latched onto the arm. One of the Howling Timbers volunteers attempted to free the child's arm.
The child's grandmother, Brenda Pearson, owns Howling Timbers and does not have the proper permits for rehabbing or to possess the animals, the DNR said.
Authorities say Pearson has a history of criminal violations from the DNR including failing to submit wildlife rehabilitation permit records, failing to notify the DNR or any law enforcement agency about an escaped bear, and failing to properly care for animals at the facility in humane and sanitary conditions.
"No person should be allowed near those dogs," Cullen said. "It's not fair to this child who lost an arm. We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of anyone who may encounter any animal at Howling Timbers, including the health and safety of all the animals at the facility."
Officers from Muskegon County Sheriff's Office assisted the DNR in a search warrant at Howling Timbers.(Photo: Michigan DNR)
The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are also involved in the investigation.
Anyone who witnesses or has information about any a natural resources crime in Michigan is encouraged to call or text the DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline at 800-292-7800.
