Sophie Vogelmann/Daily Press The Delta Animal Shelter recently took in over 20 animals seized during an animal neglect investigation in Cornell. 12 rabbits, including these two, were seized from a residence on County Road 426 on Feb. 4.

ESCANABA – Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Wickman of the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office issued a press release Tuesday night regarding the ongoing animal neglect case in Cornell.

Brianna Makosky, 22, was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 4, after biting a Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper during their search and seizure of over 20 animals at a residence in Cornell.

Makosky was arraigned Feb. 5 on multiple felony charges related to resisting, obstructing and assaulting a MSP Trooper. The Prosecutor’s Office has not issued any additional charges related to the alleged animal neglect as of this report.

“Currently, the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office is awaiting reports from the investigating agency in order to review the incident for possible charges,” wrote Wickman in a news release.

“The Prosecutor’s Office cannot authorize charges without the proper facts and evidence from the investigating agency. A review of the case will be done as quickly as possible upon receiving the reports. However, please keep in mind charges are not absolute, as there are a multitude of factors that play a role in deciding if and what to charge.”

In addition to the recent seizure of 13 cats, 12 rabbits and one sheep, Wickman addressed concerns over a previous animal cruelty case involving a pony at the same property, writing, “The Prosecutor’s Office authorized the charges on this matter, with bond conditions to include a request for the individual not to possess any animals.

“This condition was later modified by request of the individual’s counsel due to the number of other individuals residing on the property. The pony has not been returned to the individual or the property at this time.”

The release also discussed the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) involvement in the investigations at the Cornell property.

“The (MDARD) was also involved with the matter involving the treatment of animals at the property, as recently as October 2025. During their investigation, MDARD recommended some corrective action at the property. Those corrective actions were taken at the property, and documented by MDARD, resulting in no further involvement by MDARD. This involvement hampered the ability of the Prosecutor’s Office to pursue criminal charges due to the corrective measures and outcome documented in the MDARD report.”

Wickman noted in the release that the Prosecutor’s Office “had not received any reports from area agencies involving additional concerns of the welfare of the animals since October 2025” until the most recent incident last week.

Many community members have expressed health concerns about the condition of the property, not only for the animals residing there but for neighboring residences as well.

“The Prosecutor’s Office is very aware of the concerns involving the condition of the property as well, and is working with the Health Department to find resolution, but there are limited options under state law and county ordinances to address the blight concerns,” Wickman wrote.

Three Delta Animal Shelter staff members removed 13 cats, 12 rabbits and one sheep from the property on Feb. 4.

According to Shelter Operations Coordinator Vonnie Bruce, who assisted in transporting seized animals to the shelter, the sheep was initially brought to the shelter before being placed in a foster home better suited to its needs.

“(The sheep) was here for a couple days until he was able to go to a foster that has other farm animals and a really nice setup for him,” said Bruce.

Bruce added that one of the seized cats has already given birth to four kittens.

“There (are) a few more (cats) that are pregnant, so I would say it’ll be like between 20 to 30 (cats in total) by the time all the moms are done (giving birth),” said Bruce.

It is also possible that some of the rabbits seized from the property are pregnant, as males and females were housed together prior to arriving at the shelter.

Bruce noted that the animals were generally in fair physical condition upon intake, though many of the animals’ fur were stained with urine and feces. Some were a bit underweight, as well.

Several deceased animals, including cats, rabbits, pigs and goats, were found lying on the ground at the site.

Bruce noted this was not the shelter’s first interaction with the residence, as staff had previously seized a horse from the property over the summer.

When asked how shelter staff cope emotionally during animal seizures such as this one, Bruce emphasized the responsibility they carry.

“I mean, the biggest thing is if we’re not going to do it, there’s nobody else in Delta County to do it. So we have to do it.”

She added, “It’s not something you want to have to see, but luckily, we’re a really tight-knit group of people here at the shelter.”

The animals from the Cornell residence at the shelter are on a police hold, meaning they are not adoptable while the investigation is ongoing. Animals must be released to the shelter before being considered adoptable, whether that’s by owner surrender or if they’re released by law enforcement.

Bruce referenced the Rock puppy mill from 2020, in which 134 dogs and 20 horses were seized and taken into the shelter’s care, noting that those animals were not released for adoption until six months after intake.