Pontiac Residents Shocked by Animal Hoarding Case Involving 29 Dogs and 8 Cats

Pontiac Residents React to Disturbing Animal Hoarding Case

In Pontiac, a community is coming to grips with a shocking discovery made by investigators from the Oakland County Animal Shelter on Friday. They encountered a scene that can only be described as chaotic when they found 29 dogs and 8 cats living in a single home. The atmosphere in the house left a great deal to be desired, with conditions that were, as shelter manager Bob Gett put it, “dirty” and “filthy.”

A Disturbing Discovery

The residents of the home, a 47-year-old woman named Karmen Schooly, had created what authorities are now calling a hoarding situation. Just a few days prior, Schooly had been actively posting on her Facebook page about the adoptable pets under her care through her organization, Tri-County Dog Rescue. It is both bewildering and heartbreaking to think that the same person who wanted to help animals ended up in such a tragic situation.

Conditions of the Animals

As the investigators stepped inside, they were met with the unfortunate reality that all the animals had “lots of fleas” and were in dire need of grooming and care. Gett remarked on how terrified the animals appeared as they were taken away from the home. Fortunately, he noted that a good number of them seemed to be in decent health despite the overcrowded and unhygienic conditions. Yet, there was an exception; one of the cats was so severely unwell that it would need to be euthanized.

Understanding Hoarding

Gett explained, “Most hoarding cases come from rescue groups that start with good intentions.” It seems that Schooly’s desire to help animals spiraled into a situation that she could no longer manage. Whether it was a slow accumulation of pets or a sudden influx, the fact remains that she went from rescuing to hoarding.

As of now, Schooly is facing three charges, including animal cruelty, and has a pending case in Macomb County Circuit Court. In a recent phone call, she declared that her situation started off as a simple code violation rather than a cruel neglect case. “There are always two sides to every story,” she emphasized, trying to clarify her intentions. She also mentioned that her service dog had been confiscated, raising further concerns about her rights and well-being.

The Ongoing Challenge

As for the 37 animals now in the care of the Oakland County Animal Shelter, the focus is on finding them loving homes. This has become a daunting task for the shelter, which is already overwhelmed with other adoptable pets looking for families. Gett shared, “In the end, we have too many pets. Too many animals and not enough adopters.” It’s a heartbreaking reality for many animal shelters across the nation.

A Community in Need

Pontiac residents are understandably shaken by the news. Animal lovers within the community have banded together to support the shelter and the animals and have offered to help in whatever way they can. Various outreach programs are already in the works aimed at promoting animal adoption, fostering, and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership.

The situation serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of seeking help when we feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s for ourselves or for the wellbeing of animals that depend on us, reaching out for support can make a world of difference.

As the Oakland County Animal Shelter works through this difficult case, the hope remains that these animals will find their forever homes, and this community will emerge stronger than ever. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a positive outcome for both the animals and the people involved.