Target: Kelsey Guernsey, Prosecuting Attorney, Jackson County, MI
Goal: Ensure appropriate sentencing for “rescuer” accused of allowing 19 animals to die in her care.
Multiple allegations of animal cruelty have emerged against Makayla Mylin Stefaniuk, a self-identified animal rescuer from Jackson, MI, who reportedly abandoned over 19 animals in horrific conditions. On September 6, a welfare check led authorities to her residence, where they say they encountered a dead dog on the porch and a live dog holding a severed leg of another deceased animal. The situation reportedly escalated when officers found 19 dead animals—ranging from dogs and cats to turtles and rabbits—many in padlocked cages, and nine live animals suffering from neglect.
Despite holding herself out as a rescuer through a now-deleted Facebook page, Stefaniuk allegedly lacked a proper kennel license or registered business, raising significant concerns about her true intentions. The terrifying state in which these animals were reportedly found has shocked the community. It is essential that the court imposes a sentence that reflects the severity of these actions, highlighting the necessity for accountability in cases of animal cruelty. The demand is clear: appropriate punishment must be pursued to deter such actions in the future and to uphold justice for the countless innocent lives affected by this alleged neglect.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Guernsey,
The case against Makayla Mylin Stefaniuk reveals shocking instances of apparent animal cruelty that demand a strong response from the judicial system. Reports indicate that in her home, authorities discovered 19 deceased animals alongside nine live animals in critical need of medical attention. The reported conditions of these animals—many locked in cages in various states of decay—underscore a serious violation of the duty of care owed to them.
As a self-proclaimed rescuer, Stefaniuk allegedly deceived many while failing to comply with state regulations demanding kennel licenses for the housing of multiple animals. The apparent abandonment and suffering of these animals during what was supposed to be a time of refuge suggests a failure to protect those she claimed to help.
We urge the court to impose the maximum sentence possible within the law, as this will serve as a critical message about the seriousness of animal cruelty offenses. It is essential that appropriate action is taken to ensure that no other animals endure such neglect in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
