Charges Dismissed Against Woman Accused of Animal Cruelty

The Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office is appealing a decision by a judge to close an animal cruelty case against a woman who ran an animal rescue and shleter near Grand Blanc.

50-year-old Melissa Borden is the owner of The Devoted Barn, which has had several facilities in southern Michigan over the past decade, including in Livingston, Monroe and Oakland counties. Following an investigation and a report by the Humane Society of Huron Valley earlier this year, the Genesse County location was closed and Borden was charged with cruelty or abandnoment of 25 or more animals.

Borden also faces similar charges in Livingston County, plus lawsuits against the Devoted Barn in Monroe and Oakland counties. On Thursday, a Genesee County judge dismissed the charges against her. The other cases are ongoing.