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On April 20, Sterling Heights police responded to complaints of horses running loose in the area of Mound and 15 Mile roads. Officers determined the animals had come from Lornich Kennels, located on Mound Road, and returned the horses - but found no caretaker on the premises.

“In the process of returning the animals, they noticed the conditions of the dog kennels,” Lt. Robert Henigan said, adding that some of the animals were covered in feces, living in dirty pens, had food with feces in it and could not easily access water.

As a result, police obtained a search warrant and returned to the property April 23. Lorri Nichiow, the owner of the kennel, was present at the time of the search, along with other family members. With the help of various area animal rescue groups, 61 dogs, five cats and one horse were taken from the property and placed into facilities that had adequate room.

No arrests have yet been made while police are continuing the investigation. Henigan said when the investigation has been completed, police will hand over the case to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. “We will at the least seek animal cruelty charges,” Henigan said.

Conditions of animal kennels are monitored and undergo routine inspections as long as the business is licensed. “It would appear (Nichiow’s) license had lapsed some time ago,” Henigan said. “She’s supposed to be licensed through the county.”

Nichiow was previously charged with animal cruelty in 2004 when there was a similar incident at the kennel, Henigan said, and Nichiow pled guilty to two counts of the 93-day misdemeanor.