Brianna Makosky, 22, was arrested Feb. 4 and arraigned on multiple felony charges related to resisting, obstructing and assaulting a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper during an investigation at a residence on County Road 426. The MSP Gladstone Post received a report the day prior to the search alleging animal neglect involving multiple individuals.

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

According to Shelter Operations Coordinator Vonnie Bruce, who assisted in transporting seized animals to the shelter, the sheep was initially brought to the shelter before being placed in a foster home better suited to its needs.

“(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 Bruce.

13 cats, including the photographed cat here, 12 rabbits and one sheep were seized from a Cornell residence last week after Michigan State Police received reports of animal neglect at the site. All animals seized from the site were picked up and housed by the Delta Animal Shelter. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

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

“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),” said Bruce.

It is also possible that some of the rabbits seized from the property are pregnant, as males and females were housed together prior to arriving at the shelter.

Bruce noted that the animals were generally in fair physical condition upon intake, though many of the animals’ fur were stained with urine and feces. Some were a bit underweight, as well.

Several deceased animals, including cats, rabbits, pigs and goats, were found lying on the ground at the site.

Over 20 animals were seized from a residence in Cornell during an animal neglect investigation, all of whom are being cared for at the Delta Animal Shelter. This cat, who came from the Cornell residence, had four kittens upon arrival at the shelter. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

“You always go into those situations not really knowing what to expect,” said Bruce. “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.”

Bruce 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 added, “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.”

13 cats, including the cat pictured here, were seized from a residence in Cornell during an animal neglect investigation last week. While this cat may look fierce, she loves pets and attention. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

“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.”

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 that 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. And that’s really all we can do.”

Due to the influx of animals, the Delta Animal Shelter is requesting the following 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 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or outside the building in their donation box.

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 is also in need of foster families to foster animals from the shelter, especially as several baby rabbits and kittens will be arriving shortly.

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

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 on Thursday, Feb. 19.