28-05-2025
Melissa Borden is facing a second trial in 2025. Here's when and why
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The trial for Devoted Barn owner Melissa Borden has been re-scheduled for a third time.
Borden is 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.
Borden was originally scheduled for trial Feb. 5 before Judge Suzanne Geddis in Livingston County's 44th Circuit Court, but the date was pushed to April 28, then again to May 23.
That trial will now be on Monday, June 2. Borden is also facing an additional charge of cruelty to four or more animals, which was bound over to circuit court on April 22. The trial for that charge is scheduled for July 14.
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, 2024, deputies seized and relocated 64 animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and an alpaca.
Some of the animals were allegedly living 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.
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In April 2024, 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.
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 be refiled.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Borden trial pushed again, additional charge sent to circuit court
