Presque Isle County Man Arraigned for Animal Cruelty After DNR Investigation

One of the horses discovered during service of a search warrant by Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers in July.Photo byMichigan Department of Natural Resources.

In a shocking case of animal cruelty, Scott Allen Thompson, a 56-year-old resident of Hawks, Michigan, was arraigned today by a judge in Montmorency County's 88th District Court. This follows an extensive investigation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that uncovered 85 abused and abandoned animals on his property.

Charges and Plea

Thompson has pleaded not guilty to four charges, which include:

• One felony for failing to provide adequate care to animals, punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000 along with community service.
• One misdemeanor of animal cruelty, punishable by up to 93 days in jail, fines up to $1,000, and up to 200 hours of community service.
• Two misdemeanors for improper burial of dead animals, each punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $500.

DNR's Involvement

"This is a rare situation for the DNR to get involved in, as domestic animal complaints and investigations are not our primary responsibility or focus. However, there were no other resources available," said Chief Jason Haines of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "This is a very large-scale animal abuse case, and something had to be done."

Details of the Investigation

The investigation began in June when DNR conservation officers executed a search warrant on the Thompson family’s more than 50-acre property in Atlanta, Michigan, following a complaint about a dead horse. The officers discovered a total of 10 deceased animals, including four geese, two chickens, a horse, a pig, a quail, and a rabbit.

The dead animals were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in East Lansing, where it was determined that starvation and dehydration were the causes of death. The property owners were ordered to properly bury the horse.

On July 23, DNR officers returned with a second search warrant and found numerous animals in dire conditions, lacking food and water. Officers seized 75 animals, relocating them to appropriate facilities for care. These included:

• 14 geese
• 14 sheep
• Eight chickens and piglets
• Seven pigs and horses
• Four dogs and mini cows
• Three turtles
• Two goats and cats
• One turkey and rabbit

Arrest and Future Proceedings

Thompson was arrested on July 18 but remains free on bond pending further court appearances. His next court date is set for August 16. The DNR is also seeking a second suspect in connection with this case.

Reporting Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty incidents should be reported to local county or municipal animal control officers. Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers dedicated to protecting natural resources, ensuring recreational safety, and conducting lifesaving operations in their communities.

For more information on the role and responsibilities of Michigan conservation officers, visit Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.