A Northern Michigan man is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities uncovered a large-scale case of animal abuse involving dozens of animals on his property, in a case that strays outside the typical purview of the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Scott Allen Thompson of Hawks, aged 56, pleaded not guilty in Montmorency County's 88th District Court to charges including a felony for failing to provide animals with proper care, along with misdemeanors for animal cruelty and improper burial of dead animals, as reported by WWJ Newsradio.

The saga began in June when DNR conservation officers, responding to a search warrant about a deceased horse on Thompson's over 50-acre property, found not only the horse but also nine other dead animals including four geese, two chickens, and a variety of one each of pig, quail, and rabbit; the circumstances leading to the discovery were, to say the least shocking and painted a harrowing picture of neglect, these animals died from a combination of starvation and dehydration according to the findings from Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Digging deeper into the case, on July 23, officers executed a second search warrant and were confronted with dire conditions, discovering numerous animals in various states of neglect, suffering from starvation and dehydration, this prompted the seizure of 75 more animals to save them from their plight. The animals, ranging from geese and sheep to dogs, piglets, and mini cows, have since been relocated to facilities equipped to provide the needed care, in a manner ensuring their recovery and welfare, as per the details shared by Michigan's DNR.

"This is a rare situation for the DNR to get involved in, as domestic animal complaints and investigations are not our primary responsibility or focus. However, there were no other resources available," Chief Jason Haines, of the Michigan's DNR Law Enforcement Division, remarked, noting the exceptional nature of the case. Thompson, who was arrested on July 18 and later released on bond, is scheduled for another court appearance on August 16, while DNR continues their search for a second suspect involved in the case.