LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Devoted Barn founder Melissa Borden is in court more than a year after animals were first seized from her rescue.
Borden, 51, is scheduled for a jury trial on Monday, Feb. 3, in the 44th Circuit Court before Judge Suzanne Geddis. She is charged with abandonment/cruelty to 25 or more animals, punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
The Devoted Barn is a program of the Ortonville-based nonprofit Devoted Friends Animal Society. A variety of farm animals were kept on vacant land in Tyrone Township on Foley Road east of Hartland Road near Majestic View Drive. On January 18, officers seized and relocated 64 animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and an alpaca.
Devoted Barn founder Melissa Borden is facing trial, more than a year after animals from her rescue operation were first seized.
Some animals reportedly suffered without adequate veterinary care. Four pigs were euthanized. Borden transferred ownership of the surviving animals to the county and has since racked up more than $102,000 in expenses.
In May, more animals were seized from a farm on Mack Road in Oceola Township. Two horses, a pony, a sheep and a goat were moved to other local farms.
More: Devoted barn owner faces felony warrant after farm animals seized
Borden faced a similar charge in Genesee County in connection with a dog rescue she ran from E. Hill Road in Grand Blanc. According to court records, the case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled.
This isn’t the first time Borden and the rescue have faced legal challenges. The rescue has also been involved in lawsuits in Oakland County and Monroe County, and has had to relocate in the past.
– Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Devoted Barn’s Melissa Borden is scheduled for trial
