Ypsilanti man sentenced for keeping animals in ‘horrible conditions’

YPSILANTI, Mich. – John Michael Stewart pled responsible and was sentenced on Tuesday to 2 counts of animal abuse.

He was sentenced in Ypsilanti’s 14A District Court two years after the Humane Society of Huron Valley eliminated 45 canine and cats from his house. Officers from HSHV have been referred to as to his residence in Aug. 2020 by Pittsfield Township police.

They discovered animals caked with excrement and reported that the constructing had flooded with sewage. According to HSHV, lots of the animals have been emaciated and a few have been already deceased after they arrived.

“Though we wish it would have been earlier, we’re relieved Mr. Stewart forfeited his animals so that they can finally get loving homes,” HSHV CEO Tanya Hilgendorf mentioned in an announcement. “Our shelter is top-notch, but there’s nothing like a forever home. These animals were living in horrible conditions, then had to wait over 600 days for the system to get justice. They deserve better.

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“Similar to other cases, we appreciate that the owner was ordered to pay restitution for the housing, feeding, exercise and enrichment, and all veterinary care for his animals for nearly two years. But it’s worth noting that rarely do these bills cover the full cost of care and even more rarely are they paid in full, if at all.”

According to HSHV, the instances of Stewart’s roommates are nonetheless pending. They haven’t forfeited their animals, who’re at the moment housed on the shelter.