COLUMBIA TWP - A total of 45 animals, from dogs and cats to farm animals, were rescued from a property near Grand Junction on Monday, February 13, while many more were found dead.
MPs said the surviving animals were not receiving food and water, but little was known about the reasons.
The property is located on 50th Street between 8th and 12th Streets, east of Saddle Lake in Van Buren County. The dead and emaciated animals were not the initial target of a search warrant issued Monday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.
"Our office was providing perimeter security mostly to the agency that issued the search warrant," said Sgt. said Richard Rennhack. "We noticed several emaciated animals."
There were 20 hens, six hens, five ducks, four regular goats, four goats, three dogs, two cats and one goat. The agents also found 13 dead animals: three goats and 10 chickens. He said the carcasses were maturing in an enclosure with other animals.
"Nobody had been there for a while and nobody seemed to care," Rennhak said.
The property was abandoned when federal agents and sheriff's deputies ransacked it. Rennhack confirmed that an unidentified man was arrested in connection with the incident, but detectives have yet to locate anyone living or roaming the property.
"Family, I don't know where they've gone," Rennhak said.
The US Department of Homeland Security is investigating. The agency did not respond to requests for comment Thursday, including why the property was listed.
The rescued animals are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Van Buren County Animal Control Center.
Director Kimberly Thames said, "The hens seem to be very happy with the chick food." "Obviously the ducks want to get into the bowl, so they keep pouring water. We are currently looking for a paddling pool to play in."
Thames said the agency needed blankets, towels, dog food (including wet food) and chicken feed. According to his estimates, the hunters had been without food and water for several days.
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Thames said they will post on Facebook when the animals are healthy and ready for adoption. You can also call Van Buren County Animal Services at 269-621-4624 or visit their facility at 58040 County Road 681 in Hartford.
Investigators are asking anyone who lived in or visited the home to call the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office at 269-657-3101, the Crime Squad at 1-800-342-7867, or the Silent Watcher at 269.343-2100 . .
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