More Than a Dozen Dogs Found Dead in Burton Home, 44 in Cages

The Genesee County Sheriff's Department is investigating a case of extreme animal abuse and neglect involving more than 50 dogs in a Burton home.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson made the announcement in the video below.

Extreme Animal Neglect in Burton

Burton City Police Officers and officers from he Genesee County Sheriff's Department made the discovery Saturday (10/12) after a Your Ride driver and passengers contacted 911, saying that the smell was so horrific that they believed a dead body was inside the home on Lasalle Ave. in Burton.

When officers arrived, they found the bodies of 13 dead dogs as well as 44 dogs that were alive in cages. Burton Police Chief Brian Ross said the cages were stacked three high, with the dogs in the top cages urinating and defecating on the dogs below.

Get our free mobile app

Sheriff Swanson said some of the dead dogs had been placed in freezers and others were just lying on the basement floor. He says the cause of death is being investigated but suspects starvation as a possible cause.

"When you have dogs that are not getting cared for medically or starving, that’s torture," Swanson said.

Mother and Son Face Multiple Animal Abuse Charges

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton noted that the home was occupied by a mother and son and added that the son may have mental health issues.

The 49-year-old mother and her son each face three charges of animal abuse, including cruelty to 25 or more animals, a charge of allowing animals to suffer, and failure to properly dispose of dead animals.

Abandoned Detroit Zoo

Remember the Belle Isle Zoo? Sadly the property has been neglected - and all but forgotten - since its closing in 2002.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

10 Animals You Can’t Own As Pets In Michigan

Some people really want to have an exotic pet in their home, but very rarely is it a good idea. And if you are looking to add a wild animal to your family, check out this list of animals you can not own as pets in Michigan.

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh