A Pontiac woman is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after a large number of animals were found in her home in conditions described as deplorable. Karmen Alletia Schooly, 47, has been charged with one count of animal cruelty, related to failing to provide adequate care for 25 or more animals, and one count for operating an unregistered animal shelter, officials announced.
Animal control officers from Oakland County discovered the situation at Schooly’s home on September 27, where a total of 29 dogs and eight cats were found living in squalid conditions, “unfit for living”, according to a press release from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, as reported by
The Detroit News
. Schooly was not registered or licensed to house animals, the prosecutor’s office noted.
The felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, a minimum of five years of probation, and possible community service, while the misdemeanor could result in up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $500, as detailed in a report by
FOX 2 Detroit
. Additional penalties for Schooly may include a psychiatric evaluation, reimbursement of costs associated with the care of the animals, and a prohibition on her future ownership of animals.
Oakland County Shelter manager Bob Gatt described the animals’ living environment as “a fecal-infested home on the floors and everywhere they were at.” He also mentioned that nearly every animal was infested with fleas, and all were “showing signs of not a whole lot of human interaction.” These animals, Gatt said, “they’re very, very scared of our staff and they’re very scared of the surroundings,” a situation he disclosed in an interview with
WWJ Newsradio
. The woman’s home was condemned by the city’s ordinance and building departments previously.
The animals rescued are currently in the care of Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. They are not yet available for adoption pending the outcome of Schooly’s court case. Information on pet adoption can be found at the shelter’s website. Arraignments will take place in the 50th District Court as the judicial process moves forward for Karmen Alletia Schooly.
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