A Petersburg woman was arraigned Friday after being accused of abandoning 15 Siberian Huskies east of Adrian a few weeks ago.

Len Connect reports that Deborah Hossler, 47, is facing one count of felony abuse or neglect of animals, which is punishable by up to four years in prison.

Hosler has admitted that on January 4, she released 15 huskies in a rural area in Lenawee County, following the closing of her kennel in September.

Hosler says she feared the huskies would be destroyed and she could no longer afford to take care of them.

An investigation was launched after several huskies were spotted running loose in the area. The huskies were linked to Hosler with the help of residents sharing information on social media.

The  Lenawee County Sheriff's Department reports that new homes were found for all of the dogs, with the exception of one, who was struck and killed by a car.

Hosler has been directed by the court to find people to take care of the six dogs she still has at home while her case proceeds.

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