Watch CBS News

New Owner Finds Dead Dogs In Foreclosed Home

MIDDLEVILLE (WWJ/AP) - A man discovered mounds of feces and dead dogs after buying a foreclosed home in western Michigan.

And the previous owner? WOOD-TV reports that she is Marcie Tepper, a member of the Barry County animal control advisory board.

Tepper said she euthanized the dogs because she was embarrassed that she couldn't find new homes for them. After spending most of her money to take care of the dogs, Tepper said she couldn't pay her bills and as a result, lost her house.

The home's new owner, Kurt Wierenga, said the smell is overwhelming.

"Some areas you can see the floor. Other areas you can't because they are stacked up in dog feces," he told WOOD-TV. "Laying right by the steps there was that dead dog that I found and saw."

He said he bought the home near Middleville last April but didn't get in until October. The home is about 30 miles southeast of Grand Rapids.

Wierenga says he plans to demolish the house, which is only 10 years old.

Tepper, who has a warrant out for her arrest for animal neglect, said she's working on getting treatment and plans to turn herself in Saturday.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.