Residents tell Sanilac County commissioners of alleged animal neglect, urge stronger response

Two residents told the Sanilac County Board of Commissioners during public comment that local animal-control responses to suspected cruelty have been inadequate, describing emaciated animals and buried carcasses and urging changes to enforcement and training.

"Now these horses are so underweight, they're emaciated," resident Tracy Kotulski said while describing multiple complaints she and others filed and video evidence she reviewed. Kotulski said animal-control officers announced visits instead of performing unannounced inspections for cruelty cases and that carcasses had been removed before a veterinarian could examine animals. She asked the board to consider additional training and rides-along with humane-society personnel or academy cadets so responders learn how to handle cruelty investigations.

Another resident, Linda Plodzien Thurman, said she posted about the situation on Facebook and urged the board to review the animal-control officer's qualifications and response. "It kills me that I can't go in there and get these sheep," she said, describing animals she said were "skin and bones" and urging officials to act.

The board acknowledged the comments during the general public-comment period but did not record a formal directive or vote during the meeting minutes. Administrator Nathan Kroski and other staff were named in the public remarks as contacts who had been informed; no enforcement outcome was presented on the record. The speakers said they would be available to share photos and help with training; the board did not announce a timeline for follow-up at the meeting.