Devoted Barn's Melissa Borden will go to trial in February

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Devoted Barn founder Melissa Borden is heading to trial over a year after animals were first seized from her rescue.

Borden, 51, is scheduled for a jury trial on Monday, Feb. 3, in 44th Circuit Court in front of Judge Suzanne Geddis. She's charged with abandonment/cruelty to 25 or more animals, punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

The Devoted Barn is a program of Ortonville-based nonprofit Devoted Friends Animal Society. A variety of farm animals were kept on vacant land In Tyrone Township on Foley Road east of Hartland Road near Majestic View Drive. On Jan. 18, deputies seized and relocated 64 animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and an alpaca.

Some of the animals were allegedly suffering without adequate veterinary care. Four pigs were euthanized. Borden surrendered ownership of the surviving animals to the county and has since been billed more than $102,000 in expenses.

In May, more animals were seized from a farm on Mack Road in Oceola Township. Two horses, a pony, a sheep and a goat were relocated to other local farms.

More: Devoted Barn owner faces warrant, felony after farm animals seized

Borden faced a similar charge in Genesee County in connection to a dog rescue she ran off E. Hill Road in Grand Blanc. According to court records, that case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the charges can't be refiled.

It's not the first time Borden and the rescue have faced legal challenges. The rescue was also involved in suits in Oakland County and Monroe County, and has had to relocate in the past.

— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com. 

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Devoted Barn's Melissa Borden scheduled for trial