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Michigan Woman Who Admitted To Neglect Of 120 Animals Ordered To Pay $13K

ALPENA, Mich. (AP/WWJ) - A woman who pleaded guilty in an animal neglect case that involved more than 120 animals confiscated from a farm in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula has been ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution.

WHSB-FM reports that a judge issued an update Tuesday on the case of Deborah Lewandowski. The money for Alpena County Animal Control will pay for care, housing and veterinary medical expenses of animals that were rescued.

Lewandowski was sentenced in March to five years of probation that includes not owning or possessing animals. If she complies, she won't have to spend six months in jail.

Lewandowski admitted mistreatment of the animals at her farm in Alpena County's Green Township, but said she had become bogged down with work and finances.

Witnesses had testified the animals — including horses, pigs, dogs, rabbits — a were living in poor conditions.

Lewandowski said she's undergoing therapy.

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