(PORT HURON TOWNSHIP) — St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon says six of the dogs rescued from a home in Cottrellville Township are now awaiting adoption at the St. Clair County Animal Control Adoption Center. The six are from a group of 22 that were surrendered to animal control by homeowners Michael and Lynn Higgins back on June 14. The other 16 dogs surrendered were placed at animal control shelters in Macomb and Lapeer counties where they will be placed for adoption. The Norwegian Spitz mix dogs were among 98 dogs and 3 cats rescued from the home in the 7500 block of South River Road over a 2-day period. 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. The Higgins face felony charges for animal cruelty.
