An Oakland County Circuit Court jury has found Karmen Alletia Schooly guilty of felony animal neglect following the rescue of dozens of dogs and cats from her Pontiac home more than a year ago.
She was found guilty yesterday of failure to provide adequate care to 25 or more animals, a third-degree felony under Michigan law (MCL 750.50(4)(e)), punishable by up to seven years in prison. The court revoked Schooly’s bond and ordered her held in the Oakland County Jail pending sentencing which is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026.
"The jury verdict holds Karmen Schooly accountable and hopefully prevents her from abusing more animals in the future," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald. "Animal abuse is a crime we take seriously. I'm grateful to the Oakland County Animal Control for rescuing these animals from deplorable conditions and bringing us this case."
“This verdict sends a clear message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Oakland County,” said Bob Gatt, manager of Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. “Our animal control officers and shelter staff acted swiftly and compassionately to protect these animals and ensure they received the care they desperately needed.”
On Sept. 27, 2024, Oakland County Animal Control officers responded to a welfare check at a residence located in the 900-block of Argyle Street in Pontiac after a referral from Pontiac code enforcement officers. Upon arrival, animal control officers and sheriff deputies discovered many animals living in unsanitary conditions that required immediate removal.
A total of 37 animals – 29 dogs and eight cats – were removed from the home. The animals were transported to the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, where they were examined and treated by the shelter’s in-house veterinary team. Due to the severity of its condition, one cat was humanely euthanized. The remaining animals were successfully treated, bathed and cared for by shelter staff.
During the investigation, officers identified the homeowner and caretaker of the animals as Schooly, president of Tri-County Dog Rescue. She relinquished ownership of the animals, which were placed under the care of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center and later made available for adoption. Schooly retained ownership of four dogs, which remain at the shelter pending final court disposition.
For additional information about the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center or to adopt a pet, visit www.oakgov.com/petadoption.
She was found guilty yesterday of failure to provide adequate care to 25 or more animals, a third-degree felony under Michigan law (MCL 750.50(4)(e)), punishable by up to seven years in prison. The court revoked Schooly’s bond and ordered her held in the Oakland County Jail pending sentencing which is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026.
"The jury verdict holds Karmen Schooly accountable and hopefully prevents her from abusing more animals in the future," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald. "Animal abuse is a crime we take seriously. I'm grateful to the Oakland County Animal Control for rescuing these animals from deplorable conditions and bringing us this case."
“This verdict sends a clear message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Oakland County,” said Bob Gatt, manager of Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. “Our animal control officers and shelter staff acted swiftly and compassionately to protect these animals and ensure they received the care they desperately needed.”
On Sept. 27, 2024, Oakland County Animal Control officers responded to a welfare check at a residence located in the 900-block of Argyle Street in Pontiac after a referral from Pontiac code enforcement officers. Upon arrival, animal control officers and sheriff deputies discovered many animals living in unsanitary conditions that required immediate removal.
A total of 37 animals – 29 dogs and eight cats – were removed from the home. The animals were transported to the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, where they were examined and treated by the shelter’s in-house veterinary team. Due to the severity of its condition, one cat was humanely euthanized. The remaining animals were successfully treated, bathed and cared for by shelter staff.
During the investigation, officers identified the homeowner and caretaker of the animals as Schooly, president of Tri-County Dog Rescue. She relinquished ownership of the animals, which were placed under the care of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center and later made available for adoption. Schooly retained ownership of four dogs, which remain at the shelter pending final court disposition.
For additional information about the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center or to adopt a pet, visit www.oakgov.com/petadoption.
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