Brianna Makosky, 22, has been arraigned on multiple felony charges after she was accused of resisting, obstructing and assaulting a Michigan State Police trooper during the search at a property on County Road 426. The MSP Gladstone Post had received an animal neglect report the day before the search.

Three Delta Animal Shelter staff members removed 13 cats, 12 rabbits and one sheep from the property Feb. 4.

The sheep “was here for a couple days until he was able to go to a foster that has other farm animals and a really nice setup for him,” said Shelter Operations Coordinator Vonnie Bruce, who assisted in transporting the animals to the shelter.

Bruce added that one of the seized cats has already given birth to four kittens.

More than 20 animals were seized Feb. 4 from a residence in Cornell Township during an animal neglect investigation and are now at the Delta Animal Shelter. This cat, one of 13 seized, had four kittens after arriving at the shelter. (Sophie Vogelmann/Daily Press)

“There (are) a few more (cats) that are pregnant, so I would say it’ll be like between 20 to 30 (cats in total) by the time all the moms are done (giving birth),” she said.

It is possible some of the rabbits seized from the property are pregnant as well, as males and females were housed together before arriving at the shelter, Bruce added.

The animals were generally in fair physical condition, though many had fur stained with urine and feces, Bruce said. Some were a bit underweight.

A news release from the MSP Gladstone Post stated the Feb. 4 search found the remains of several animals — including cats, rabbits, pigs and goats — at the property.

“You always go into those situations not really knowing what to expect,” Bruce said. “You don’t know from the outside how many animals there could possibly be, but we were kind of warned as far as, like, the possibility of there being dead animals on the property and things like that.”

She noted this was not the shelter’s first interaction with the residence, as staff had previously seized a horse from the property over the summer.

When asked how shelter staff cope emotionally during animal seizures such as this one, Bruce emphasized the responsibility they carry.

“I mean, the biggest thing is if we’re not going to do it, there’s nobody else in Delta County to do it. So we have to do it,” she said, adding, “It’s not something you want to have to see, but luckily we’re a really tight-knit group of people here at the shelter.

“And going home, if you need to have a good cry about it, you have a good cry about it. If you need to eat some ice cream or snuggle with your pets … you know what I mean?”

The animals seized from the Cornell residence could ultimately be returned to the property, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

“Obviously, that’s not what we want. That’s not what anyone wants. But it’s just going to depend on the case and the prosecutor and, you know, the evidence that they’ve gathered,” Bruce said.

The animals from the Cornell residence at the shelter are on a police hold, meaning they are not adoptable while the investigation is ongoing. Animals must be released to the shelter before being considered adoptable, whether that’s by owner surrender or if they’re released by law enforcement.

Bruce referenced the Rock puppy mill from 2020, in which 134 dogs and 20 horses were seized and taken into the shelter’s care, noting those animals were not released for adoption until six months after intake.

“A lot of us tend to look at the shelter pets as our own pets while they’re with us. So the biggest thing is just focusing on giving them the best care possible while they’re with us,” Bruce said. “And that’s really all we can do.”

Due to the influx of animals, the Delta Animal Shelter is requesting these donations: hay, such as timothy hay; rabbit pellets; Purina Cat Chow (blue bag); Purina Kitten Chow (yellow bag); NutriSource chicken/rice dog food; Purina One chicken/rice dog food; canned dog food; canned cat/kitten food; soft dog treats; scoopable cat litter; clay cat litter; bleach; liquid Lysol; paper towels; dish soap; garbage bags; power laundry detergent; hand sanitizer; and dog collars/leashes.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter, 6975 County Road 426 M-5, during business hours of noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or in the donation box outside the building.

Bruce noted that local businesses generously donate food to the shelter, as well, such as Mel’s Lawn Garden & Feed Center, Tractor Supply, Walmart and Meijer.

The shelter also needs families to foster animals from the shelter, especially as baby rabbits and kittens begin arriving.

“We’re getting into kitten season and baby season in general. So, we’re definitely always looking for foster families, too,” Bruce said.

Those interested in fostering can call the shelter at 906-789-0230, email deltaanimals@yahoo.com or send a private message to the shelter on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Deltaanimalshelter.nokill.

The animal neglect investigation remains ongoing and will be submitted to the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office for review once complete.

Makosky is set to appear in court for a private hearing Thursday, Feb. 19.