Warren, MI – A district court judge has ordered the forfeiture of more than two dozen animals removed from a Warren home earlier this year after authorities said they were living in deplorable conditions.
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According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, a civil forfeiture hearing was held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, before visiting Judge Russell Ethridge at the 37th District Court in Warren. The hearing centered on 20 dogs and four turtles that were seized from the home of 57-year-old Michelle Reyntiens on February 12, 2026, during the execution of a search warrant by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team.
Authorities said the animals included nine adult Pomeranian/Shih Tzu dogs, 11 Pomeranian/Shih Tzu puppies, and four juvenile red-eared slider turtles.
Following the hearing, Judge Ethridge entered a forfeiture judgment against Reyntiens, officially transferring ownership of the animals to Macomb County Animal Control. Officials say the agency is now working to rehabilitate the animals and place them into new homes.
Reyntiens is currently facing two felony charges: abandoning or cruelty to 10 or more animals, a 4-year felony, and possession of controlled substances — cocaine, heroin, or another narcotic less than 25 grams — also a 4-year felony.
She is scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference before Judge John M. Chmura on April 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the 37th District Court.
“Caring for an animal is not optional—it is a legal and moral responsibility,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement. “When people neglect or mistreat animals in their care, it is not only heartbreaking, it is a crime. My office takes these cases seriously, and we will prosecute those who fail to provide the basic care and protection animals deserve.”
Reyntiens is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com