A total of 71 animals were rescued from the home of Augusta Township supervisor Brian Shelby on May 25.
Thirty-seven cats, nine dogs, 13 chickens, 10 exotic birds and two peacocks were rescued by the Humane Society of Huron Valley and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators found excessive feces, urine and debris littering the yard and inside the home. Many of the dogs and cats were locked in filthy plastic kennels, forced to step in and lie in their own waste.
HSHV says most of the house did not have electricity or ventilation, and there was little food on the premises.
The exotic birds, including five cockatoos, two macaws, two conures and an Amazon parrot, were closed up in a room without light or ventilation.
“The animals were living in extremely unsanitary and cramped conditions. Many were sick and in need of immediate medical care. In fact, there wasn’t an animal on the property who didn’t need help,” says Melinda Szabelski, Animal Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor for HSHV.
The attorney for Shelby said "no comment" and hung up when 7 Action News requested a statement.
