A St. Clair County man is scheduled for a probable cause conference after allegedly neglecting and abandoning more than 25 animals.
A warrant for the arrest of Dustin Roberts, age 40, Executive Director of Farm Animal Rescue Mission (or FARM), was issued this past November for felony abandonment, cruelty and neglect of more than 25 animals.
On April 8 of this year, Roberts surrendered over 84 animals into the care of St. Clair County Animal Control (SCCAC) when presented with a search warrant. Roberts was the subject of an alleged cruelty-neglect and abandonment investigation regarding the animals in FARM’s care. Complaints regarding intermittent care of the animals at Farm Animal Rescue Mission Sanctuary began an investigation on March 22, 2024.
Findings from on-site observations on April 5, 2024 discovered approximately 23 pot-belly pigs, 4 market hogs, 8 sheep, 19 goats, 2 zebu cows and over 30 free-range fowl in inadequate conditions; many of the paddocks with deep mud and no food or potable water available for the animals.
A search warrant was executed April 8, 2024. SCCAC was accompanied by Dr. Shirlene Cece, Director of Veterinary Forensics at Michigan Humane and an Animal Cruelty Investigator from Michigan Humane. It was determined by both St. Clair County Animal Control Officers and the Michigan Humane team that the conditions and lack of care met the criteria to be inadequate for livestock and other farm animals.
An additional veterinarian and handling team led by SCCAC assessed the animals on April 9, 2024 for the purpose of diagnostics, treatment and re-feeding plans, hoof-care and additional assessment plans.
According to authorities, “The lack of care is especially concerning, as Mr. Robert’s non-profit was supposed to be a dedicated, life-long sanctuary for special needs farm animals.”
Roberts is scheduled for his probable cause hearing Wednesday, December 11, with an examination scheduled for December 18.
