On June 10, 2021, Pamela Dawn Smith, DVM, pled no contest to 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty to one animal. She was ordered to forfeit 32 dogs and agreed to pay a total of $104,000 in restitution. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 2, 2021.
A search warrant was executed July 14, 2020 on the 8000 block of Marine City Highway after multiple complaints of an unlicensed kennel in deplorable conditions. Upon arrival, Animal Control found 32 Labrador Retrievers in a poorly ventilated, dusty basement and attached garage. The dogs were housed in crates with trays filled with cat litter and days’ worth of feces and urine.
Animal Control requested the assistance of Capital Area Humane Society to help care for the dogs, most of which were in poor condition with skin, eye, and ear infections. Blue Water Humane Society and Furget Us Not Rescue also assisted in caring for the dogs throughout the duration of court proceedings.
A special weekend adoption event will be held June 26th and 27th from 10am – 2pm by appointment at St. Clair County Animal Control located at 3378 Griswold Rd, Port Huron. Fifteen of the labs will be available for adoption, as well as other dogs, cats, and kittens. Appointments for adoptions can be scheduled via email or by calling 810-984-3155.
“This is the longest case in which St. Clair County Animal Control has had to hold animals as live evidence,” said Director Melissa Miller. “Our staff has done an exceptional job over the past 329 days. We are thrilled to see these dogs able to move on to their forever homes.”
Submitted by St. Clair County Animal Control
