MARQUETTE, MI— A couple from Marquette County, Michigan has reached a plea agreement after facing charges of animal cruelty and abandonment. Susan and Kenneth Barterian, residents of Republic Township, were arrested in December on felony counts related to the abandonment and cruelty of animals numbering between four to ten. The charges prompted the couple to surrender the animals to UPAWS, leading to the Marquette County Prosecutor’s Office offering a plea deal.
The plea agreement would see the felony charges reduced to misdemeanor animal abandonment and cruelty, with a possible punishment of up to a year in jail. Both Susan and Kenneth Barterian pleaded guilty to the new charges during a court hearing on Tuesday, though a sentencing date has yet to be determined.
The case raises concern over the treatment of animals and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. By entering into the plea agreement, the Barterians have accepted responsibility for their actions, though the exact terms of the agreement and potential penalties are yet to be determined by the court.
The decision by the Barterians to plead guilty to the reduced charges marks another step in this animal cruelty case, prompting discussions on the consequences of such actions. The prosecution will now await the sentencing date, where the couple will face potential penalties for their involvement in the mistreatment and abandonment of animals.
The Marquette County couple charged with animal cruelty and abandonment have entered into a plea agreement, accepting reduced charges of misdemeanor animal abandonment and cruelty. They have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.