BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Battle Creek couple has been ordered to stand trial in an animal neglect case.
Calhoun County District Court Judge Jason Bomia ruled Friday that the case against Dennis and Lynn Norrod be moved up to circuit court, according to a report by the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Officials with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department say that 17 pit bulls were found in the home of the couple. The pit bulls were left out in the cold with no proper shelter, food or water. The discovery was made on January 31st, 2019.
If convicted, the couple could face up to four years in prison each.
Law enforcement officials say that the report was initially filed by a neighbor, who said they were worried about the dogs being left in weather that had wind chills of -23 degrees.
Upon arrival, police say that they found the dogs chained outside with frozen food and water. A veterinarian who examined the dogs also confirmed that several tested positive for hookworms and other parasites.
Judge Bomia said that these dogs were “unnecessarily neglected” based on testimony from the investigation.
Attorney Richard Pattison, who is representing the Norrods, says that the presence of medicine and other dog care items in the property should show that the couple knows how to properly raise these dogs.
This is an ongoing case and will be updated as more information becomes available.
