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Six Dogs Rescued From Hoarder House Up For Adoption

PORT HURON TWP. (WWJ) - Six dogs recovered from a home in Cottrellville Township are now awaiting adoption at the St. Clair County Animal Control Adoption Center.

According to Sheriff Tim Donnellon, the six are part of 22 dogs that were surrendered to Animal Control by homeowners Michael, 66, and Lynn, 56, Higgins on June 14. The other 16 dogs that were surrendered were placed at the Animal Control shelters in Macomb County and Lapeer County, where they will be placed up for adoption.

The dogs up for adoption are Norwegian Spitz mix. They are a part of a total of 98 dogs and three cats that were rescued from the residence in the 7500 block of South River Road over a two day period. The animals were removed from the home after a neighbor contacted Animal Control because of loud barking and a foul odor coming from the residence.

The Higgins' were originally cooperative and surrendered 22 dogs on June 14. But when deputies from the Sheriff's Office and Animal Control officers returned the following day, the homeowners refused to allow entry. A search warrant was served at the home and the remaining dogs and cats were taken.

The Higgins' are now facing a four year felony charge for animal cruelty. That warrant was signed Wednesday in 72nd District Court. They are expected to turn themselves in to be arraigned on the charges.

Besides the 22 dogs that were surrendered to Animal Control, the Higgins' gave up nine dogs to the St. Clair County Humane Society, six dogs to the Blue Water Humane Society and 23 dogs to a Norwegian Buhund rescue from Colorado. Those 23 dogs have been placed in temporary homes throughout the country, according to the rescue.

The remaining 38 dogs are being held at the St. Clair County Animal Control Office pending a court decision determining whether the dogs will be returned to the Higgins' or placed for adoption. The three cats are expected to go to a rescue organization.

If you interested in adopting one of the dogs at the St. Clair County Animal Control Office, you can visit the Adoption Center from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The adoption fee for dogs is $120, which includes shots and spaying or neutering. The Adoption Center is located at 3378 Griswold Road in Port Huron Township.

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