ECORSE (WWJ) - Two men and a woman are facing an array of charges in connection with the alleged abuse of more than a dozen dogs Downriver.

The defendants -- 42-year-old David Scott McMurtrie of River Rouge, 29-year-old Kayli Lynn Sparks of River Rouge, and 30-year-old David Squire Bowling of Ecorse were arraigned in 25th District Court on Tuesday.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, police officers were dispatched on May 1 of last year to a residence in the 4300 block of Sixth Street in Ecorse to investigate complaints about dogs inside a truck.

Upon arrival, the officers found 17 emaciated and sick dogs in cages stacked in the back of a rental box truck "in filth and extreme heat." After the dogs were transported to an animal shelter for care and treatment, prosecutors said, it was discovered that at least three of them had been stolen from a rescue shelter.

McMurtrie is charged with the following: Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals; Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to Four to Ten Animals; three counts of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property, $200-$1,000; Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Felon in Possession of Ammunition; and Felony Firearm.

Sparks, also known as Kayli Robinson, is charged with: Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals; Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to Four to Ten Animals; and three counts of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property $200-$1,000.

Bowling is charged with: Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals; and Animals – Abandoning/Cruelty to Four to Ten Animals.

Bond was set at $50,000 cash for McMutrie and $25,000/10 percent each for Sparks and Bowling. If released, each defendant has been ordered to wear a GPS tether, have no contact with animals or witnesses and agree not to leave the state.

The trio is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on March 5, followed by a preliminary examination on March 12.

It's unclear at this time why it took so long for charges to be filed in the case. Prosecutors said more details about the case will be revealed during further court proceedings.