(ST. CLAIR COUNTY) — The Cottrellville Township couple who relinquished their rights to more than 100 dogs found in their home have waived their Circuit Court arraignments. 66-year old Michael Higgins and his 56-year old wife Linda appeared in court Monday. Both have been charged with abandoning or cruelty of ten or more animals, which is a 4-year felony. A neighbor contacted the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division back on June 14, complaining of a foul odor and loud barking coming from the couple’s home in the 7500 block of South River Road. Over a two day period, 99 dogs and 3 cats were removed from the home. Some were given up by the couple to rescue groups and the Sheriff’s Office, while others were removed with a search warrant. Michael and Linda Higgins are scheduled to appear for a pretrial exam on August 15 before St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Kelly.
