ISHPEMING TOWNSHIP — Two children and more than a dozen animals were removed from an Ishpeming Township home Tuesday night after a domestic violence investigation led authorities to discover what they described as unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.

On Thursday, 39-year-old Andrew Lusardi was arraigned in the 96th District Court in Marquette County on two counts of domestic violence, one count of animal abandonment/cruelty involving 10 or more but fewer than 25 animals and one count of fourth-degree child abuse.

Also arraigned Thursday, 34-year-old Brianna Poehls faces one count of animal abandonment/cruelty involving 10 or more but fewer than 25 animals and one count of fourth-degree child abuse.

The charges stem from an investigation that began at approximately 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, when troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post responded to a report of domestic violence at a residence in Ishpeming Township.

According to MSP, investigators determined Lusardi had left the residence and returned to his home in the City of Ishpeming. Troopers located the individual and executed a search warrant at the residence.

Inside, troopers found two young children, 16 bloodhounds and one cat living in what they described as unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The residence reportedly contained extensive animal feces and urine throughout, and investigators observed additional evidence indicating both the children and animals were not being properly cared for.

Both Lusardi and Poehls were subsequently charged and lodged in the Marquette County Jail.

Lusardi’s bond was set at $2,000. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 9.

Poehls was released from jail on a personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court again also on July 9.

In coordination with Child Protective Services (CPS), the children were placed with a relative to ensure their immediate safety while CPS completes their investigation.

MSP said the dogs and cat were placed in the care of the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS), where they will receive appropriate care and evaluation.

UPAWS announced the bloodhounds are not available for adoption as of Thursday.

As a result of the large intake, UPAWS said it is at capacity and will be unable to accept owner surrenders or stray dogs until further notice.

“If you have considered adopting a pet, now could be a great time and UPAWS encourages you to adopt,” MSP wrote in a news release.

UPAWS also asks the public to call law enforcement if they encounter a stray dog while intakes are suspended.

For more information about UPAWS and pets available for adoption, visit their website, https://upaws.org/, email UPAWS at supervisors@upaws.org or call 906-475-6661.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.