The St. Clair County Animal Control announced Tuesday that a 72-year-old Fort Gratiot woman had been sentenced Monday to one year of supervised probation for one misdemeanor count of attempted animal cruelty/neglect and two counts of having unlicensed dogs.
The charges stem from a January search warrant on the 3000 block of Old Farm Lane in Fort Gratiot Township, when Animal Control Officers found six birds (three cockatoos, two songbirds, and a parrot) in horrible conditions. Reports say that the animals were underweight, had overgrown nails and were being kept in cages encrusted in waste, with the waste also polluting the animals’ drinking water.
Mirkin was the subject of a large-scale cruelty and neglect case in 2019, which saw the seizure of 83 parrots, cockatoos, macaws, and other exotic birds, with Mirkin charged with felony cruelty/neglect to 25 or more animals.
Mirkin pleaded guilty to the 2023 offenses in September, with prosecutors dropping five other charges against her. As part of her probation, she is allowed to possess only the three dogs and five cats currently in her care, being unable to acquire additional animals for one year. Additionally, the court required on-going counseling. Animal Control has been granted authorization to conduct unannounced visits throughout the duration of her probation to ensure compliance.
The birds seized in January were evaluated by a veterinarian shortly after rescue and provided with new, clean cages, clean water, enrichment items, and species-specific appropriate diets.
St. Clair County Animal Control urges anyone aware of animal collecting, cruelty, or neglect to report the conditions to 810.984.3155 or animalcontrol@stclaircounty.org.
