MARION TWP. (WWJ/AP) – Authorities say a 53-year-old man and his 72-year-old mother are facing animal cruelty charges after dozens of cats were seized in Livingston County.
Kevin Roberts and Sharon Bath are charged with animal cruelty to 10 or more animals. They’re expected to be arraigned on Sept. 16 in District Court.
The cats were removed this summer from Marion Township, about 45 miles northwest of Detroit.
Animal control officials say some of the cats were sick. Some reports said more than 100 cats were taken from the home.
Roberts disputes the number of cats involved, saying it was more around 50. He also said the animals were in good condition, adding that some were “colony cats” that roamed freely while others were kept in the home or in a pen.
The animal cruelty charge is a four-year felony. However, because Roberts is categorized as a habitual felony offender, he faces a maximum sentence of eight years.
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