Samantha Sullinger, a dog trainer who operates Sam’s Train, Play, and Stay in Potterville, Eaton County, has been charged with felony animal cruelty after a one-year-old golden retriever named Baylor returned home covered in wounds and raw skin.

The case centers on injuries sustained while Baylor was in Sullinger’s care; the dog received treatment at MSU Medical Center for bruising on his gums and skin irritation described as hot spots. Common signs of animal abuse that pet owners should watch for include visible wounds, poor body condition, and open sores, all alarming factors in cases like Baylor’s. Prosecutors say the charge specifies ‘abandoning/cruelty to four to 10 animals’ – the exact number is not definitively stated as 10, but rather a range of 4-10 animals. Sullinger was arraigned on the charge Tuesday with a probable cause hearing set for December 15.

Baylor came home in August with visible wounds and raw patches, according to the dog’s owner, Emma Bunce. The injuries prompted veterinary care at MSU Medical Center, where clinicians treated bruising and the skin irritation Bunce described as hot spots. “[Baylor] was just not our well-taken-care-of pup,” Bunce said, describing the change she saw in the dog after the stay at the Potterville facility. This situation emphasizes the importance of researching animal care facilities, an issue underscored by the fact that in 2021 alone, there were 16,573 animal cruelty offenses reported across the U.S., though many cases go unreported.

Bunce added, “Baylor can’t speak up so lets speak up for him.” Her comments reflect a call for accountability that accompanies the formal criminal filing in Eaton County. To help prevent similar cases, pet owners are encouraged to seek trainers certified by recognized organizations and evaluate their training methods carefully.

Sullinger, identified in court records as the owner-operator of Sam’s Train, Play, and Stay, offered a brief statement after arraignment: “I’m excited for the truth to come out at trial.” The arraignment took place Tuesday and the matter will proceed to a probable cause hearing on December 15.

The charge filed is a felony count of animal cruelty tied to the incident involving Baylor and other animals associated with the investigation. Prosecutors allege conduct severe enough to elevate the case to a felony level; court documents list a range of 4-10 animals in connection with the charge and identify one dog, Baylor, by name. Veterinary treatment records and Bunce’s account describe bruising on Baylor’s gums and skin irritation treated as hot spots at MSU Medical Center. Those clinical details formed part of the evidence referenced by Bunce and appear in the narrative supporting the criminal filing.

The arrest and charging of a private trainer in Eaton County raises questions among local pet owners about oversight of boarding and training facilities. Bunce urged prospective clients to check facilities and said her family’s experience is meant as a caution: “Just be aware. Do your research on where you’re sending your animals.” Consulting with resources and ensuring the facility uses humane, reward-based training methods can also help protect pets.

The case will return to court at the December 15 probable cause hearing, where a judge will consider whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial. Until then, Sullinger remains formally charged and has entered a plea in court proceedings.

Source: FOX 47 News.

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