ISHPEMING — A west end man and woman have been arrested and charged with keeping children and animals in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

According to troopers from the Michigan State Police post in Negaunee Township, the matter started as a domestic violence investigation at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday. At that time, troopers were dispatched to a residence in Ishpeming Township. Inside the home, troopers found two young children, 16 bloodhound dogs and one cat.

Troopers determined that the children and animals were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. According to an MSP press release, the residence contained extensive animal feces and urine throughout the home and troopers observed additional evidence indicating that both the children and animals were not being properly cared for.

Troopers determined that the suspect, an adult male, had left the residence and returned to his home in the city of Ishpeming. Troopers located the suspect at his home and subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence. As a result of the investigation, the adult male was arrested on charges of Aggravated Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence, Second-Degree Child Abuse and Animal Abuse/Neglect.

An adult female who also resided at the home, was arrested on charges of Second-Degree Child Abuse and Animal Abuse/Neglect. Both individuals were lodged in the Marquette County Jail pending court appearances.

In coordination with Child Protective Services, the children were placed with a relative to ensure their immediate safety while CPS completes its investigation. The dogs and cat were placed in the care of UPAWS, where they will receive appropriate care and evaluation.

According to UPAWS, due to this emergency intake of the animals in this case, the shelter is at capacity and temporarily unable to accept owner surrenders or stray dogs until further notice.