Court orders forfeiture of animals found in Warren woman’s home

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that a district court judge ordered the forfeiture of dogs and turtles that were found in the Warren home of 57-year-old Michelle Reyntiens in February 2026. The animals are described as nine adult Pomeranian/Shih Tzu dogs, 11 Pomeranian/Shih Tzu puppies, and four juvenile Red-eared Slider turtles. The animals were allegedly found to be living in deplorable conditions.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a civil forfeiture hearing was held before visiting Judge Russell Ethridge at the 37^th District Court in Warren, MI regarding the 20 dogs and 4 turtles that were removed from Reyntiens’ home on February 12, 2026, pursuant to a search warrant executed by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team. Judge Etheridge entered a forfeiture judgment against Reyntiens. All of the animals are now the property of Macomb County Animal Control that is actively working to rehabilitate and re-home the animals.

Reyntiens is facing the following charges:

• Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals, a 4-year felony, and 
• Controlled Substances – Possession (Cocaine, Heroin or Another Narcotic Less Than 25 Grams), a 4-year felony

 She is scheduled for a Probable Cause before Judge John M. Chmura on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the 37th District Court.

“Caring for an animal is not optional—it is a legal and moral responsibility. When people neglect or mistreat animals in their care, it is not only heartbreaking, it is a crime. My office takes these cases seriously, and we will prosecute those who fail to provide the basic care and protection animals deserve,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido stated. 

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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