Warren woman charged with animal cruelty waives Preliminary Exam

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 57-year-old Michelle Reyntiens, of Warren, MI, waived her Preliminary Exam on a felony charge related to her alleged care of multiple animals in her home.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2026, a Probable Cause Hearing for Reyntiens was held before Judge John M. Chmura at the 37th District Court in Warren, MI. At that hearing, she waived her right to the exam and was bound over for trial. Reyntiens is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Anthony R. Servitto in the Macomb County Circuit Court on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Reyntiens is facing a charge of Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals, a 4-year felony. 

It is alleged that in February 2026, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) executed a search warrant at Reyntiens’ residence. They discovered 24 animals, dogs, puppies and turtles, living in deplorable conditions. The animals are described as nine adult Pomeranian/Shih Tzu dogs, 11 Pomeranian/Shih Tzu puppies, and four juvenile Red-eared Slider turtles. Animal control responded and removed the animals from the home.

On 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 animals. Judge Etheridge entered a forfeiture judgment against Reyntiens. The animals became the property of Macomb County Animal Control.

"Animals depend on their owners and caretakers for their health, safety, and well-being. When that responsibility is ignored, the consequences can be devastating. My office is committed to holding individuals accountable when animals are deprived of the care they need. We will continue to pursue justice on behalf of vulnerable animals and the community members who expect these laws to be enforced," 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.

###