Monday morning Traci Nelson, the infamous owner of the recently criticized Itsy Bitsy Small dog rescue pled guilty to a Birmingham ordinance violation for having more than three dogs on her residential lot.
According to Royal Oak police, this may be the first of many charges against the rescue.
“We are currently investigation possible animal neglect and endangerment,” said Royal Oak Detective Bob Reilly.
Last week the Police Department received a tip from their Animal Control department that more than 30 dogs were found in a 10 by 10 ft enclosed area that was formerly a used car lot on the 4500 block of Delemere Avenue in Royal Oak. Although the Police have not released a suspect, Traci Nelson and the Itsy Bitsy small dog rescue are currently under investigation.
“We are moving very quickly on this case,” said Reilly.
None of the dogs were licensed with Royal Oak and no authorization had been given to to run a dog shelter out of the area. The lot was run-down and covered with oil, gas, and grease and the police department’s record states that the dogs were “covered in saturated feces and urine.”
“What we saw appeared to be severe neglect,” said Reilly.
Although no criminal charges have yet been issued by the city of Royal Oak, Reilly suspects that possible charges of abuse could be given for each dog found on the property.
“It could be one felony charge or a number of misdemeanor charges,” said Reilly. “If you have however many number of neglect per dog, those charges could multiply very quickly.”
Upon discovering the dogs, authorities quickly removed them from the property.
“All the dogs are being held by Oakland Country animal control,” said Reilly.
Nelson’s attorney, Eric Buikema, confirms that his client was involved in keeping the dogs on the residence.
“I have finally spoken with Royal Oak police,” said Buikema. “She has not been charged nor should she be.”
Bukiema asserts that his client should be commended for her work with her dogs.
“These animals would have been dead or otherwise destitute if Traci hadn’t kept them in Royal Oak for a period of time,” said Buikema.
Nelson has also been accused by critics of illegally accepting donations for her rescue. Though is not yet facing charges, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Itsy Bitsy is not currently licensed as nonprofit.
“I was under the impression that she was a nonprofit organization, but I’m not certain,” said Buikema.
A representative for the Attorney General’s office said Nelson was sent a questionnaire regarding her rescue program, but has neither returned the questionnaire nor officially applied for a non-profit license.
Today, Nelson pled guilty during a pre-trial hearing regarding her misdemeanor on April 4th. Nelson was charged with having 5 dogs on her Birmingham residence, 2 more than the city allows. Nelson has been charged with a $300 fee.
Buikema also confirmed that Nelson’s Birmingham residence is under foreclosure.
Although recent trouble with Birmingham police now drawing to a close, Royal Oak police are continuing to look into Nelson and the pet rescue.
“We are simply investigating [The Itsy Bitsy Small Dog Rescue],” said Reilly. “It’s gonna come down to what we can present in a criminal case after our investigation.”
If Royal Oak does choose to press charges, Buikema has plans to approach the situation with confidence.
“If Royal Oak has an issue with [Nelson and Itsy Bitsy Small Dog Rescue], then we’ll deal with it,” said Buikema.
