Authorities: More Than 300 Animals Removed From Farm

BURLINGTON (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say more than 300 animals found living in unsanitary conditions with no food and little water were seized from a southern Michigan farm.

Goats, sheep, alpacas, chickens, ducks, miniature horses, rabbits, potbelly pigs and guinea pigs were removed this month by Calhoun County authorities after a passing motorist reported seeing several apparently sick sheep at the Burlington-area farm.

Animal Control Officer Justin Reniger told the Battle Creek Enquirer that several chickens were in kept in small fish aquariums and ducks were crowded into small cages.

"This was a hobby farm gone wild where desire to collect one of every species superseded actual proper care of each animal," said Sophia DiPietro, executive director of advocacy organization group All Species Kinship.

Three women are facing animal neglect charges.

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