The home owner's niece says her Aunt Helen is a nice person and that this has been going on for a long time.
Posted on 07/13/2008 7:30:55 PM PDT by MaryFromMichigan
Over 40 dogs were seized from within the residence.
Investigators tell NEWSCHANNEL 3 that the homeowner would cover her back yard in newspapers, then shovel them into piles once the dog feces was a half foot deep.
We spoke with Sheldon's niece and she said, "[Helen] doesn't realize how bad it is. All this stuff you see around here, this has been this way for a long time." Sheldon's niece added that her aunt suffers from a mental illness.
Deputies arrived to the home on 23 Mile Road near J Drive on Friday, July 11, after they were alerted by neighbors.
Over 40 dogs were seized from within the residence. One Deputy and one Battle Creek City Police Animal Control Officer were bitten with minor injuries. One aggressive animal was shot and killed by Deputies.
Investigators tell NEWSCHANNEL 3 that the homeowner would cover her back yard in newspapers, then shovel them into piles once the dog feces was a half foot deep. There was also a swimming pool in the back yard, but now it is filled to the brim with garbage.
The dogs living in the home ranged in age and size; there were small puppies all the way up to larger dogs weighing over fifty pounds. All of the dogs were malnourished and mistreated.
It took three Animal Control vehicles to take the forty-plus dogs to the Humane Society. They say the animals are in such bad shape, some might not survive.
Investigators are not officially identifying the owner at this point, but family members tell us the homeowner is 66-year-old Helen Sheldon.
We spoke with Sheldon's niece and she said, "[Helen] doesn't realize how bad it is. All this stuff you see around here, this has been this way for a long time." Sheldon's niece added that her aunt suffers from a mental illness.
Officials have not been able to locate Sheldon; when she is found she will face felony animal cruelty charges.
This niece should be hurt. SHE KNEW AND SHE DID NOTHING???? It’s a good thing this happened in Michigan, because if it were here...I’d be in jail. (see tagline)
wow. first you live in filth, then they seize you. talk about bad luck.
Poor babies. I hope they end up in good homes.
Thank you. Sheesh, the place looks like a firetrap too.
But what kind of mindset allows not getting involved?
What was the niece (and no doubt, others) thinking?
Hand wringing and crying after wards doesn't begin to cut it.
maybe FR will let you put up a banner for donations to the Free Laz campaign.
Would you care to make a contribution?
you're breaking up.
Most people with mental illness refuse to believe there is anything wrong with them, and in most states you cannot force someone against their will into mental health treatment unless they are an immediate danger to themselves or others. Even then, they are usually only hospitalized for 72 hrs before being released.
Even if this woman’s family wanted to get her psychiatric help, there’s no way they can impose it on her without her consent. The mental health system in this country is completely broken.
LOL I just realized I resurrected a 2 year old thread. Please ignore.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.