Pontiac Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty

Karmen Alletia Schooly of Pontiac, Michigan, has been charged with felony animal cruelty and operating an unregistered animal shelter after 29 dogs and eight cats were rescued from her home on September 27. The animals were found living in abusive and neglectful conditions, prompting Oakland County Animal Control to intervene. Schooly faces severe penalties including up to seven years in prison, significant fines, and community service for the felony charge, alongside potential jail time for the misdemeanor. Oakland County officials, including Prosecutor Karen McDonald, emphasized that housing animals without proper care constitutes a crime, not a rescue. The rescued animals are currently under the care of the Oakland County Animal Shelter but are not available for adoption until the case concludes. This incident is part of a series of animal cruelty cases being pursued by law enforcement in Southeast Michigan.