Oakland County woman faces charges after 29 dogs, 8 cats rescued from home

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – A Pontiac woman has been charged following an animal cruelty and unregistered shelter investigation in September where 37 animals were rescued from her home.

September 27, 2024 29 dogs and eight cats were seized from Carmen Schooley’s home on Argyle Street. County animal control officers said the animals were living in cruel and neglectful conditions.

Schooley faces charges of animal cruelty and misdemeanor charges for operating an unregistered animal shelter.

“Having dozens of animals that you can’t care for is not ‘rescue,’ and neglecting or abusing animals is a crime,” Oakland County District Attorney Karen McDonald said. “I applaud Oakland County Animal Control for rescuing these dogs and cats from horrible conditions.”

Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center cares for 36 rescued animals; one cat had to be put to sleep.