UPDATE: Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich confirmed Friday that the man who had 36 dogs packed in his van in Delta Township has agreed to work with the Humane Society.
Authorities say deputies first came in contact with the man on May 15. The Sheriff’s office says they evaluated the situation and 12 of the dogs, including 2 pregnant ones, were passed over to the Humane Society.
The Capital Area Humane Society then posted on Facebook, and said one of the pregnant dogs arrived at the shelter in active labor and has since given birth to six healthy puppies.
We’re told 24 of the dogs are still with the man, but the Human Society has agreed to spay, neuter and vaccine all of them for free.
The Sheriff’s Office says while the man appears to be unhoused, if he chooses to stay in Eaton County, it is his responsibility to get all of the dogs in his possession licensed, if they are over the age of 4 months.
Stay with FOX 47 News for updates.
ORIGINAL STORY: A video circulating online shows a van packed with dozens of dogs of various breeds, raising questions about animal welfare in Delta Township.
The Eaton County Sheriff's Office, which oversees animal control, confirmed there were originally 36 dogs in the van. The driver is unhoused.
Officials said the man has agreed to turn over 10 of the dogs to the humane society. The sheriff's office is continuing to work with him to determine what to do with the remaining dogs.
However, authorities say there is only so much they can do because there is nothing on the books that prohibits this.
Residents who saw the video expressed shock and concern.
"I have never seen this many dogs in one vehicle," one person said.
"It's just unsanitary," said Anthony Johnson.
"That is sad I would never do anything like that," said Tiara Hardister.
"No matter how niche their hands are tied they still need to get them dogs and rescue them because they don't deserve that," another said.
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