37 Animals Found In 'Deplorable Conditions' At Oakland Co. Home: Cops

PONTIAC, MI — A Pontiac Woman is facing charges after officials found 37 neglected animals living in her home, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

Karmen Alletia Schooly, 47, was charged with failure to provide adequate care to 25 or more animals and operating an unregistered animal shelter. Bond information was not immediately released.

If convicted on the animal cruelty charge, she faces up to seven years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000, probation and community service. The illegal animal shelter charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.

"Housing dozens of animals that you can’t take care of is not a ‘rescue,’ and neglecting or abusing animals is a crime," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "I applaud Oakland County Animal Control for saving these dogs and cats from deplorable conditions."

On Sept. 27, Oakland County Animal Control found 29 dogs and eight cats living in "unfit" conditions at a Pontiac home on Argyle Street, according to prosecutors.

Schooly is also not registered or licensed to house animals, according to prosecutors.

Oakland County Shelter Manager Bob Gatt also weighed in on the case.

"We are committed to ensuring that all animals in Oakland County are safe and protected," Gatt said. "The conditions these animals were found in are unacceptable, and we are doing everything we can to support their recovery and secure a safe future for them."