Puppy mill - 67 dogs seized
Sterling Heights, MI (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008
County: Macomb
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 5 files available
Alleged: Lorri E. Nichiow-Brubaker
Case Updates: 3 update(s) available
The owner of Lornich Kennels in Sterling Heights has a long history of animal neglect, according to a Local News 4 report.
Court documents showed hundreds of complaints and lawsuits were filed over the years against the owner, Lorri Nichiow.
Police and volunteers rescued about 60 dogs, a dozen cats and a horse at Lornich Kennels on 15 Mile and Mound roads in Sterling Heights Wednesday after an abuse complaint against Nichiow was filed last week.
Nichiow was investigated in 2004 after animal control found the kennel overcrowded. They said they also found unclean cages, some animals without drinking water and animals shivering.
Local 4 also learned Nichiow was convicted of animal cruelty and her license was suspended in 2005. In 2007, Nichiow was convicted with six counts of animal abandonment or cruelty and six dogs were seized and taken for medical treatment.
Both the Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau said they received dozens of complaints over the years.
"In my opinion, it was just the worst I've ever seen," said former animal control officer Ann Marie Rogers.
Rogers first investigated Lornich Kennels in 2005. She said animals were stuffed in small cages, some were injured and most of them lived in deplorable conditions.
Police called in a veterinarian, Oakland County Animal Control, the Michigan Humane Society and a volunteer group called All About Animals to help them sort out the many pets in need of medical attention.
Rescue crews said they are trying to save the horse, which is severely underweight.
Rescue crews also said most of the animals were severely dehydrated and malnourished.
All About Animals said it brought about 20 of the dogs to a boarding facility in Clinton Township, where they will clean them up, nurse them back to health and then adopt them out, police said.
All About Animals will have the rescued pets up for adoption on their Web site.
No charges were issued against Nichiow, but police said the Macomb County prosecutors are working to draw up charges.
Nichiow refused to go on camera. She denied any accusations of cruelty and neglect.
Case UpdatesLorri E. Nichiow-Brubaker is due back in court on Jan 21, 2010 allegedly due to probation violations. According to reports, Nichiow-Brubaker claims to be mentally incompetent. The results of a mental evaluation will be announced on the Jan 21 court date and animal advocates believe it is also possible that she will be sentenced that day if she is found to be competent.
Local advocates are asking people to write letters:
Case # 08-2554-FH, Lorri E. Nichiow-Brubaker
Judge David Vivanio
40 N. Main St.
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Fax - 586-466-4125
Michael Servitto
40 N. Main St.
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Fax - 586-466-4125
Please reference Case# 08-2554-FH if you choose to write to the courthouse. | Source: Case # 08-2554-FH
Update posted on Dec 24, 2009 - 12:51AM |
The owner of a Sterling Heights animal kennel has been charged with animal cruelty after police rescued 67 animals from the kennel last month for signs of abuse.
The 49-year-old woman was charged with three counts of animal cruelty, second offense, for the abuse found at Lornich Kennels, located on Mound Road near 15 Mile Road. Each count is a 2-year felony if convicted. The woman was previously convicted by the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office of two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty June 14, 2005.
On April 20, Sterling Heights police responded to complaints of horses running loose, determined the animals had come from Lornich Kennels and returned the animals.
"In the process of returning the animals, they noticed the conditions of the dog kennels," Sterling Heights Lt. Robert Henigan said. Some of the animals were covered in feces, living in dirty pens, had food with feces in it and could not easily access water, Henigan said.
As a result, police returned with a search warrant April 23 to take 61 dogs, five cats and one horse from the property. The animals were placed with various rescue groups that had adequate room.
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith commended the veterinarians and rescue organizations for their assistance in removing and caring for the animals.
"The owner will be held accountable for her actions," Smith said. "However, our immediate concern is ensuring that these neglected pets can be immediately placed into loving homes and that the owner never again be allowed to own or operate a kennel."
An arraignment date has not yet been schedule in the 41-A District Court. | Source: AdvisorSource - May 25, 2008
Update posted on May 29, 2008 - 12:41AM |
Reports of horses running loose led to the removal of 67 animals from a Sterling Heights animal kennel when police found evidence of animal abuse and neglect on the property.
On April 20, Sterling Heights police responded to complaints of horses running loose in the area of Mound and 15 Mile roads. Officers determined the animals had come from Lornich Kennels, located on Mound Road, and returned the horses - but found no caretaker on the premises.
"In the process of returning the animals, they noticed the conditions of the dog kennels," Lt. Robert Henigan said, adding that some of the animals were covered in feces, living in dirty pens, had food with feces in it and could not easily access water.
As a result, police obtained a search warrant and returned to the property April 23. Lorri Nichiow, the owner of the kennel, was present at the time of the search, along with other family members. With the help of various area animal rescue groups, 61 dogs, five cats and one horse were taken from the property and placed into facilities that had adequate room.
No arrests have yet been made while police are continuing the investigation. Henigan said when the investigation has been completed, police will hand over the case to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. "We will at the least seek animal cruelty charges," Henigan said.
Conditions of animal kennels are monitored and undergo routine inspections as long as the business is licensed. "It would appear (Nichiow's) license had lapsed some time ago," Henigan said. "She's supposed to be licensed through the county."
Nichiow was previously charged with animal cruelty in 2004 when there was a similar incident at the kennel, Henigan said, and Nichiow pled guilty to two counts of the 93-day misdemeanor. | Source: The Source News - May 4, 2008
Update posted on May 4, 2008 - 2:15PM |
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