A jury has convicted Karmen Alletia Schooly of felony animal neglect after 37 animals — 29 dogs and eight cats — were found living in severe, unsanitary conditions at her Pontiac home during a welfare check in September 2024, prosecutors said. Pontiac woman found guilty of animal neglect after 37 dogs, cats …

Code enforcement referred the welfare check that led officers to Schooly’s Argyle Street residence, where Oakland County Animal Control documented what officials described as poor, unsanitary living conditions. Most animals were removed from the property and transported to the Oakland County Animal Shelter for care after Schooly relinquished ownership; she retained ownership of four dogs, who remain at the shelter pending court proceedings. One cat was euthanized due to its condition; the remaining animals received treatment and the dogs were later placed for adoption through the county shelter.

Prosecutors told jurors the conditions on the property amounted to felony neglect involving multiple animals. After deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict. Schooly, who is listed as president of Tri-County Dog Rescue, maintains she was helping the animals, but the jury concluded she was neglecting them. She remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 21, 2026.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald praised the verdict in a statement, saying, “The jury verdict holds Karmen Schooly accountable and hopefully prevents her from abusing more animals in the future.” Bob Gatt, manager of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, said the outcome sends an unambiguous message: “This verdict sends a clear message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Oakland County.” Gatt’s office coordinated care of the animals after their removal and oversaw placement of dogs cleared for adoption.

Shelter staff and county animal control personnel conducted intake and medical assessments on the rescued animals before determining which animals could be cleared for adoption. Officials said staff completed examinations, administered necessary treatments and monitored recovery. The shelter’s intake process included evaluations to identify injuries, illnesses and behavioral needs; staff then matched adoptable animals with shelter protocols for placement. common signs of animal neglect that pet owners should be aware of?

Animal welfare experts note several common signs that indicate neglect: extreme thinness or emaciation, lack of food or water, absence of adequate shelter, unsanitary or filthy living conditions, untreated injuries or medical issues, and poor grooming such as matted fur or parasites. Those indicators were central to the prosecution’s case in showing persistent neglect at the property.

Municipal animal control and shelters determine how many animals they can care for by evaluating available housing space — including the number and size of kennels or enclosures appropriate for species and age, and in accordance with humane standards such as those recommended by the Determining and exceeding capacity – HumanePro — as well as staffing levels and the resources required to provide adequate daily care and medical treatment.

Officials emphasized that county shelter staff managed the animals while the legal process proceeds, balancing medical needs, quarantine protocols and behavioral assessments. The county shelter later made the dogs available for adoption through its standard procedures; individuals seeking to adopt can use resources such as the Adopt a Pet | ASPCA to locate local shelters, view adoptable animals and begin application processes. Municipal shelters and county-run facilities also maintain their own adoption lists and application steps.

Schooly’s conviction marks a criminal penalty after the animals were removed in September 2024. Local animal control, shelter staff and code enforcement will continue to coordinate as the county prepares for sentencing and ongoing disposition of the animals recovered from the Argyle Street home.

Original reporting: view the original article.

Related local reporting: FOX 2 Detroit.