MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) - A 29-year-old central Michigan farmer has been arraigned on an animal cruelty charge after 71 calves were found dead on his property near Mount Pleasant.
John Montross of Deerfield Township pleaded not guilty Monday to abandoning and cruelty to animals in an Isabella County court. The felony carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. His next court date is Monday.
Defense attorney Keeley Heath declined to comment on Monday evening.
A criminal complaint was filed April 9. The case is being handled by the county’s Animal Control Department.
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