Two Michigan residents were arrested after authorities discovered several malnourished, dead dogs at their home

BURTON, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — Two Michigan residents were arrested after an investigation discovered several malnourished and dead dogs at a home in Genesee County.

On October 12th at approximately 8 p.m., Burton Police responded to a residence in the 1200 block of LaSalle Avenue in Burton.

During the investigation, officers discovered 13 dead dogs. Several malnourished dogs were also found in the house.

“The dogs were in kennels stacked three at a time. Dogs that were upstairs were urinating and defecating on the dogs below. Just a terrible, terrible situation,” Burton Police Chief Brian Ross said in a news conference.

Officials found 44 live animals, but of the 13 dead animals, some were found in freezers and some in the basement floor. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson says the dogs were Shih Tzu and Yorkie.

According to police, a “hoarding situation” occurred in the home and dog cages were placed in various parts of the home, including the bedrooms, basement and hallway.

Neglect and hunger among the dogs are concerning in this case, Swanson said.

Two residents of the apartment, including a 49-year-old woman and her son, were arrested and charged.

The woman was charged with cruelty to 25 or more animals, causing unnecessary suffering to animals and failing to dispose of a dead animal.

Prosecutor David Leyton said the son is believed to be suffering from mental health issues which will be examined in court. He says the son will also undergo a competency and criminal responsibility review.

Leyton says police reports indicate the woman may have been breeding dogs.

“Raising dogs is a responsibility. It’s not a hobby, it’s not something you do lightly. They are living beings and when you are overwhelmed you have to ask for help because what can happen is exactly what happened here,” Leyton said.

Burton Mayor Duane Haskins says the home has been condemned.

DeJanay Booth-Singleton contributed to this report.