More than 60 dogs were rescued from a Flint Township home. Thirty others were found dead.

Authorities described feces and trash throughout the house. Prosecutors have called it one of the worst animal hoarding cases they have seen in decades.

Brenda Shires has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty and animal abandonment. Police are still searching for Kim Shires, who also faces charges.

This case is not just disturbing. It is a reminder that extreme animal hoarding causes prolonged suffering and death for innocent animals.

Animal hoarding is often described as a mental health disorder. But when it leads to mass neglect and death, there must also be meaningful legal consequences and stronger safeguards to prevent it from happening again.

We call on:

• The Genesee County Prosecutor to pursue the strongest charges allowed under Michigan law
• Michigan lawmakers to review and strengthen penalties for severe animal hoarding cases
• The state to establish mandatory mental health intervention and lifetime animal ownership bans in extreme cruelty cases

Thirty dogs died in that house. Sixty more survived in horrific conditions.

They cannot speak for themselves.

Sign this petition to demand full accountability and stronger protections for animals in Michigan.