A China Township man is facing charges after authorities seized 52 farm animals from his property. Kevin Tuttle, 59, has been arraigned on charges including felony cruelty and neglect after a grim discovery of "deplorable" living conditions for goats and sheep led to a wider investigation by St. Clair County Animal Control, according to the Times Herald.

Earlier, Tuttle had been arraigned on charges that were believed to involve 4-10 animals. Following an investigation that unearthed gross neglect during an arctic blast last month, a search warrant was executed at Tuttle’s residence, the 5800 block of Indian Trail, where the 52 additional animals, including sheep, mini-pigs, and fowl, were housed in similarly squalid conditions without adequate food, water, or shelter. In a release by St. Clair County Animal Control's social media, Director Melissa Miller stated, "The animals seized during the arctic blast last month were without food, water, or shelter adequate for livestock."

One of the animals was in such critical condition that it required immediate transportation to the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center. All animals are being evaluated for their health conditions, with ongoing plans for appropriate care and diets to facilitate recovery. Despite the man's bond having been set at $10,000, there was no attorney listed on Tuttle’s court records.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for Tuttle on February 26 at the 72nd District Courthouse in Marine City, as noted by the Times Herald. Animal Control Director Melissa Miller urged the public, during the announcement of the seized animals in the frigid temperatures, to come forward with any knowledge of animal cruelty or neglect. Readers are encouraged to report such circumstances to St. Clair County Animal Control at 810-984-3155 or email [email protected].