Missaukee County Dog Breeder Charged With Felony

Missaukee County Prosecutor David DenHouten has filed charges against a man that breeds Jack Russell Terriers.

John D. Jones of is being charged with one felony count of cruelty-to-animals and three misdemeanor counts of violating other animal protection laws. In a separate case, he is charged with resisting and obstructing officers when they were investigating.

DenHouten says his office will work to make sure this incident “does not happen again.”

Around after the Missaukee County Sheriff’s Office received a court order earlier this month.

Activist group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) submitted a report to the Missaukee County Sheriff’s Office after a six week long investigation into the breeder’s property in Dec.

Missaukee County Sheriff Yancer stated prior that he wouldn’t remove the animals without a court order or charges.

Sheriff Yancer had also stated that PETA had been disrupting business at the sheriff’s office during a four-day protest.

PETA argues the protest was peaceful despite several members being arrested.

This is not the first time the breeder has been investigated.

In 2008, roughly 85 dogs were seized in Barry County.

In 2013, dogs were seized after the breeder was found to be operating without a kennel license. However, unacceptable conditions was what prompted the seizure of around 170 dogs in that case.

Missaukee County Sheriff’s Office removed the animals with help from Clare, Roscommon, Wexford and Grand Traverse Animal Controls.

The Missaukee County Humane Society was also on-site.

At this time, there has been no confirmation that the dogs will be available for fostering or adoption.