67 farm animals rescued from a China Township farm in St. Clair County are now available for placement.
52 of the 67 animals were rescued this past Valentine’s Day, with their owner, 59-year-old Kevin Tuttle ultimately pleading guilty to misdemeanor cruelty to 3-6 animals and terminating his rights to all animals in the care of St. Clair County Animal Control. Tuttle was charged for inadequate care of goats, sheep, mini-pigs and chickens without access to food, water, shelter and sanitary conditions that were seized by Animal Control between January 22nd and February 14th, 2025.
According to Animal Control Director Melissa Miller, the animals seized during this case were emaciated and weak. She also noted that, “The goats had difficulty standing, the mini pigs have signs of frostbite all over their bodies, and the wool on the sheep was so overgrown and matted that the vet required shearing, despite being out of season to do so.”
Animal Control is looking for families that are interested in fostering or permanent placement with enclosed or heated barns. “These animals have been through so much and had injuries requiring vaccination, so we are looking for them to find placement where they will be friends, not food,” said Miller. “Species experience is a must as they have a long way to go before they recover fully.”
Tuttle’s sentencing will be held March 25, 2025. St. Clair County Animal Control asks anyone wishing for more information regarding placement to email animalcontrol@stclaircounty.org
