ESCANABA, MI – The Delta Animal Shelter in Escanaba, Michigan, is currently providing refuge for over 20 animals seized earlier this month during an animal neglect investigation in Cornell Township. The animals, consisting of 13 cats, 12 rabbits, and one sheep, were removed from a property on County Road 426 on February 4th following a report to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Gladstone Post.
The case has led to felony charges against Brianna Makosky, 22, who was arraigned after allegedly resisting, obstructing, and assaulting a MSP trooper during the search. The investigation began with an animal neglect report received by the MSP the day prior to the seizure.
Vonnie Bruce, Shelter Operations Coordinator at the Delta Animal Shelter, described the scene. “You always go into those situations not really knowing what to expect,” she said. “You don’t know from the outside how many animals there could possibly be, but we were kind of warned as far as, like, the possibility of there being dead animals on the property and things like that.” That warning proved accurate, as the MSP reported finding the remains of several animals – cats, rabbits, pigs, and goats – at the residence.
The shelter is now managing a growing population, with several of the seized cats already pregnant. “There (are) a few more (cats) that are pregnant, so I would say it’ll be like between 20 to 30 (cats in total) by the time all the moms are done (giving birth),” Bruce explained. The possibility of pregnant rabbits also exists, as males and females were housed together prior to their arrival at the shelter.
While the animals were generally in fair physical condition, many exhibited signs of neglect, with fur stained by urine and feces, and some being underweight. The shelter staff is providing necessary care and attention to help them recover.
This isn’t the first time the Delta Animal Shelter has intervened at this particular property. According to Bruce, staff previously seized a horse from the same residence over the summer. This history underscores a pattern of concern regarding animal welfare at the location.
Animal seizures take an emotional toll on shelter staff. Bruce emphasized the weight of responsibility they carry, stating, “I mean, the biggest thing is if we’re not going to do it, there’s nobody else in Delta County to do it. So we have to do it.” She described the team as “a really tight-knit group of people” who support each other through difficult situations, allowing for moments of personal processing and self-care when needed.
The future of the seized animals remains uncertain. They could potentially be returned to the property, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and the decision of the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office. “Obviously, that’s not what we want. That’s not what anyone wants. But it’s just going to depend on the case and the prosecutor and, you know, the evidence that they’ve gathered,” Bruce said.
Currently, the animals are on a “police hold,” meaning they are not available for adoption while the investigation is underway. The shelter must receive official release from law enforcement or owner surrender before an animal can be considered for adoption. Bruce referenced the 2020 Rock puppy mill case, where it took six months for the seized animals to become available for adoption, providing a potential timeline for this situation.
“A lot of us tend to look at the shelter pets as our own pets while they’re with us. So the biggest thing is just focusing on giving them the best care possible while they’re with us,” Bruce said. “And that’s really all we can do.”
The influx of animals has created a need for donations. The Delta Animal Shelter is currently requesting hay (specifically timothy hay), rabbit pellets, Purina Cat Chow (blue bag), Purina Kitten Chow (yellow bag), NutriSource chicken/rice dog food, Purina One chicken/rice dog food, canned dog food, canned cat/kitten food, soft dog treats, scoopable and clay cat litter, bleach, liquid Lysol, paper towels, dish soap, garbage bags, power laundry detergent, hand sanitizer, and dog collars/leashes. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter, located at 6975 County Road 426 M-5, between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or placed in the donation box outside the building.
The shelter also benefits from regular donations from local businesses, including Mel’s Lawn Garden & Feed Center, Tractor Supply, Walmart, and Meijer. In addition to material donations, the shelter is seeking foster families, particularly as kitten and rabbit birthing seasons approach. Interested individuals can contact the shelter at 906-789-0230, email deltaanimals@yahoo.com, or send a private message via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Deltaanimalshelter.nokill.
The animal neglect investigation is ongoing and will be submitted to the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office for review upon completion. Brianna Makosky is scheduled to appear in court for a private hearing on .
