SANDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – When police arrived at the home of 31-year-old Kyle Beauchemin after reports of domestic abuse and the conclusion of a standoff, police discovered nearly 30 dogs on the property, at which point the dogs were given over to the care of UPAWS for safekeeping.
“When there is some sort of a potential neglect case or potential situation, the sheriff or the county police will call us to see if we can assist,” said UPAWS Community Outreach Coordinator Ann Brownell.
Marquette County Sheriff’s deputies removed the pit bull mix dogs from the wooded lot on Carlshend Road, including two litters of newborn puppies, several adult dogs, and a few cats. The animals are not up for adoption, as their legal status has not yet been determined.
“We are not sure if we will be getting custody of them or not. That it’s all up to what happens next with the process,” said Brownell.
UPAWS is asking for donations to help care for the unexpected influx of animals. The public is invited to donate clean bedding, towels, dog food, and toys. Monetary contributions are also appreciated.
“When we get a large intake at one time, we go through a lot of our resources. So building that back up takes time, paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent, and bleach,” said Brownell.
The new dogs are being housed away from the general population of adoptable pets at UPAWS, where they are undergoing health evaluations.
