24 animals rescued from 109-degree Michigan barn without food, water
(CBS DETROIT) - Twenty-four animals were rescued from a Michigan barn after troopers discovered they were being kept under improper living conditions, officials said.
On Monday evening, troopers responded to the barn in Burtchville, St. Clair County, after receiving a complaint of dogs attacking a neighbor's chickens. State police didn't release any further details about the barn's location.
When they arrived, they discovered several animals on the property with poor living conditions and no food or water.
State police say several dogs were locked in crates without food or water inside the barn, where the temperature was 109 degrees.
"A barn on the property contained several dogs locked in crates with no food or water, injuries and with a temperature of 109 degrees inside," state police said. "In total 24 animals, including donkeys, goats, cats, dogs, a turkey, chickens, were rescued from the residence in cooperation with animal control."
The investigation is ongoing and will be sent to the St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office once it is complete to determine possible charges.
According to Melissa Miller, the director of St. Clair County Animal Control, all of the animals are receiving veterinary care, including food, water, and comfort and other daily care.
Due to the investigation, Miller couldn't provide many details about the situation, but she did touch on how hot temperatures affect animals, including those that normally live outside.
"It's always important to think about any animals you have, whether they're pets, or whether they're part of farming, to think about airflow and also think about what a structure is created of," said Miller. "For instance, cars can really quickly heat because of that greenhouse effect and really warm up very quickly, even on something like a sunny 80-degree day that might feel very mild to us."
She said that, similar to cars, anything with a metal roof, dog houses that don't have breathable spaces and small doors, or are placed directly in the sun with no shade can heat up very quickly, too.
When it comes to outdoor animals that can't be brought inside, Miller said people should ensure that they have multiple sources of water and enough shade.
As long as people are being safe with electricity, fans can be used to help create airflow for the animals.
The St. Clair County Animal Control Office has gotten several calls about animals experiencing heat exhaustion this year. She said it's always a good idea for people to call their local animal control agencies when they have concerns so that someone can check it out.