Please Note:
Penny Horak’s First Hearing on this Matter will be held:
Tuesday, September 16
8:30 am
Courtroom 4007
DuPage County Courthouse
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, Illinois
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
My Suburban Life, 8/21/08
By David Heitz, dheitz@mysuburbanlife.com
Bloomingdale Press
Thu Aug 21, 2008, 10:52 AM CDT
Link: http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/roselle/news/x81485012/Pet-Rescue-director-faces-court-date
Bloomingdale, IL -
Police and a state agency are investigating allegations of animal neglect at a Bloomingdale facility.
Penny Horak, director of Pet Rescue, 151 N. Bloomingdale Road, turned herself in to police last week after she was charged with animal neglect.
Bloomingdale Deputy Chief Frank Giammarese said Horak will be issued a date in DuPage County Circuit Court. The date was not immediately known, he said.
Horak, a Hebron resident, was charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after authorities alleged she failed to provide adequate care for a sick cat at the facility. The animal later was euthanized by a Hoffman Estates veterinarian.
Pet Rescue also was fined $200 by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, which licenses the facility, after two other cats that suffered illnesses were adopted out.
Giammarese said the department will continue to work with the IDOA as part of a state investigation into the facility, but police are not conducting a criminal investigation.
"Unless we get other complaints, we no longer have an open case," he said.
Jeff Squibb, a spokesman for the IDOA, said the agency will continue to monitor the facility, as it does with all licensed animal shelters, which are typical inspected every three months.
"With this facility, we have turned this case over to the DuPage County state's attorney's office," Squibb said, "but we will continue to monitor operations at Pet Rescue."
Squibb said he was not sure if Pet Rescue would challenge the fine by requesting a hearing.
Squibb said a new provision of the Animal Welfare Act that went into effect June 1 gives the IDOA more power to go after animal shelters that violate the parameters of their licenses. Fines can be as much as $1,000, with a possible license suspension for a third IDOA offense, Squibb said.
Police said last week that Pet Rescue has more than 100 cats and many other animals at the facility, which operates as a no-kill shelter under its license with the IDOA.
Bloomingdale Press
Thu Aug 21, 2008, 10:52 AM CDT
Link: http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/roselle/news/x81485012/Pet-Rescue-director-faces-court-date
Bloomingdale, IL -
Police and a state agency are investigating allegations of animal neglect at a Bloomingdale facility.
Penny Horak, director of Pet Rescue, 151 N. Bloomingdale Road, turned herself in to police last week after she was charged with animal neglect.
Bloomingdale Deputy Chief Frank Giammarese said Horak will be issued a date in DuPage County Circuit Court. The date was not immediately known, he said.
Horak, a Hebron resident, was charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after authorities alleged she failed to provide adequate care for a sick cat at the facility. The animal later was euthanized by a Hoffman Estates veterinarian.
Pet Rescue also was fined $200 by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, which licenses the facility, after two other cats that suffered illnesses were adopted out.
Giammarese said the department will continue to work with the IDOA as part of a state investigation into the facility, but police are not conducting a criminal investigation.
"Unless we get other complaints, we no longer have an open case," he said.
Jeff Squibb, a spokesman for the IDOA, said the agency will continue to monitor the facility, as it does with all licensed animal shelters, which are typical inspected every three months.
"With this facility, we have turned this case over to the DuPage County state's attorney's office," Squibb said, "but we will continue to monitor operations at Pet Rescue."
Squibb said he was not sure if Pet Rescue would challenge the fine by requesting a hearing.
Squibb said a new provision of the Animal Welfare Act that went into effect June 1 gives the IDOA more power to go after animal shelters that violate the parameters of their licenses. Fines can be as much as $1,000, with a possible license suspension for a third IDOA offense, Squibb said.
Police said last week that Pet Rescue has more than 100 cats and many other animals at the facility, which operates as a no-kill shelter under its license with the IDOA.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What you can do.
Please speak up for the neglected animals.
Ask DuPage County State's Attorney, Joe Birkett, to prosecute these violations to the maximum extent of the law. Ask Mr. Birkett to upgrade the charge to a Class A misdemeanor for Cruel Treatment.
Joe Birkett, DuPage County State's Attorney
503 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone:(630) 407-8000
Fax:(630) 407-8151
stsattn@dupageco.org
Ask DuPage County State's Attorney, Joe Birkett, to prosecute these violations to the maximum extent of the law. Ask Mr. Birkett to upgrade the charge to a Class A misdemeanor for Cruel Treatment.
Joe Birkett, DuPage County State's Attorney
503 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone:(630) 407-8000
Fax:(630) 407-8151
stsattn@dupageco.org
Daily Herald, 8/14/08
Pet Rescue fined, Director is charged.
An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for the director of the often-controversial Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale, Penny Horak, who is charged with failing to provide humane care for a sick cat.
The animal, taken from the premises by a volunteer worried about its health in July, ultimately was euthanized.
But Bloomingdale police ordered a necropsy, or animal autopsy, be performed. Authorities then worked with officials from the Illinois Department of Agriculture on a joint investigation.
The result Wednesday was one misdemeanor charge and a state-imposed fine linked to a second case.
Horak, contacted Wednesday night, said only that she did not know details of the case before hanging up on a reporter.
State officials, though, are quite familiar with Pet Rescue, as it's been the subject of numerous investigations and court proceedings over the years.
"It's been a chronic problem. We've had investigators in and out of the facility for quite some time," said Jeff Squibb, the department of agriculture spokesman.
The current situation involves two separate episodes in July, explained animal law attorney Cherie Travis, who was asked by volunteers to get involved in the case.
The one in which Bloomingdale police filed charges relates to a cat named Mia, who had been at the shelter for more than a year. A volunteer who repeatedly pointed out that the animal needed medical care felt the cat was so sick on July 13 that she took her to a veterinarian, Travis said.
The veterinarian subsequently called Horak and Pet Rescue founder Dale Harmon, recommending the cat be euthanized because of its condition, Travis explained.
Horak refused, but Harmon conceded.
After an investigation, including the results of the necropsy, Bloomingdale Police charged Horak with one count of violating the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act. It is a Class B misdemeanor.
Also on Wednesday, Pet Rescue was fined $200 in connection with a second case in July.
Pet Rescue adopted two cats on July 12 that the new owner subsequently took for a veterinary inspection, Travis said. Between them they had conjunctivitis, severe upper respiratory infections, pus coming out of their ears and a 104-degree temperature.
Squibb said the fine, related to the adoptions of those two cats, was imposed under a state law requiring that all animals be healthy when they are sold.
In the past, there were no penalties for infractions other than a lengthy battle to pull an operating license. But under a revision to the law that went into effect June 1, fines are progressive. The first violation is $200, the second is $500 and the third within a three-year span is $1,000.
Squibb said state officials have referred the case involving the two sick cats to DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett, urging consideration for possible criminal charges.
"The important thing here is everybody is held to the law with regard to the treatment of animals," Travis said.
An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for the director of the often-controversial Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale, Penny Horak, who is charged with failing to provide humane care for a sick cat.
The animal, taken from the premises by a volunteer worried about its health in July, ultimately was euthanized.
But Bloomingdale police ordered a necropsy, or animal autopsy, be performed. Authorities then worked with officials from the Illinois Department of Agriculture on a joint investigation.
The result Wednesday was one misdemeanor charge and a state-imposed fine linked to a second case.
Horak, contacted Wednesday night, said only that she did not know details of the case before hanging up on a reporter.
State officials, though, are quite familiar with Pet Rescue, as it's been the subject of numerous investigations and court proceedings over the years.
"It's been a chronic problem. We've had investigators in and out of the facility for quite some time," said Jeff Squibb, the department of agriculture spokesman.
The current situation involves two separate episodes in July, explained animal law attorney Cherie Travis, who was asked by volunteers to get involved in the case.
The one in which Bloomingdale police filed charges relates to a cat named Mia, who had been at the shelter for more than a year. A volunteer who repeatedly pointed out that the animal needed medical care felt the cat was so sick on July 13 that she took her to a veterinarian, Travis said.
The veterinarian subsequently called Horak and Pet Rescue founder Dale Harmon, recommending the cat be euthanized because of its condition, Travis explained.
Horak refused, but Harmon conceded.
After an investigation, including the results of the necropsy, Bloomingdale Police charged Horak with one count of violating the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act. It is a Class B misdemeanor.
Also on Wednesday, Pet Rescue was fined $200 in connection with a second case in July.
Pet Rescue adopted two cats on July 12 that the new owner subsequently took for a veterinary inspection, Travis said. Between them they had conjunctivitis, severe upper respiratory infections, pus coming out of their ears and a 104-degree temperature.
Squibb said the fine, related to the adoptions of those two cats, was imposed under a state law requiring that all animals be healthy when they are sold.
In the past, there were no penalties for infractions other than a lengthy battle to pull an operating license. But under a revision to the law that went into effect June 1, fines are progressive. The first violation is $200, the second is $500 and the third within a three-year span is $1,000.
Squibb said state officials have referred the case involving the two sick cats to DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett, urging consideration for possible criminal charges.
"The important thing here is everybody is held to the law with regard to the treatment of animals," Travis said.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Arrest warrant issued for Penny Horak
Today the Bloomingdale Police secured an arrest warrant for Penny Horak for violating the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, a Class B Misdemeanor punishable for up to 6 months in jail. We are waiting on the Illinois Department of Agriculture to take promised action as well, for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
FOX News is seeking information
Mark Saxenmeyer, the FOX News reporter whose story aired on 7/30/08, is seeking feedback/information on Pet Rescue. If you have experience with Pet Rescue, please contact Mr. Saxenmeyer ASAP. See his Blog at: http://community.myfoxchicago.com/blogs/saxinthecity
Saturday, August 2, 2008
What is being done?
The Bloomingdale Police Department is currently investigating complaints of animal abuse and neglect. We are waiting to see when criminal charges will be filed.
How can I help?
People keep asking what they can do to permanently shut down Armon's operation, the animal prison she calls a "sanctuary."
You can help.
Please direct letters of complaint for the Illinois Department of Agriculture's failure to take action under the law and do their job to protect animals by one of their own licensees! This abuse should not have gone on for 28 years! Demand that they enforce the Illinois Animal Welfare Act.
Contact the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture
Thomas Jennings
Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture
tom.jennings@illinois.gov
(217) 782-2172
State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Contact General Counsel for the Ill. Department of Agriculture
John Kim, General Counsel
Illinois Department of Agriculture
john.j.kim@illinois.gov
(217) 782-2172
State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Contact the Governor
Governor Rod Blagojevich
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244 or 312-814-2121
TTY: 888-261-3336
http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm
You can help.
Please direct letters of complaint for the Illinois Department of Agriculture's failure to take action under the law and do their job to protect animals by one of their own licensees! This abuse should not have gone on for 28 years! Demand that they enforce the Illinois Animal Welfare Act.
Contact the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture
Thomas Jennings
Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture
tom.jennings@illinois.gov
(217) 782-2172
State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Contact General Counsel for the Ill. Department of Agriculture
John Kim, General Counsel
Illinois Department of Agriculture
john.j.kim@illinois.gov
(217) 782-2172
State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Contact the Governor
Governor Rod Blagojevich
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244 or 312-814-2121
TTY: 888-261-3336
http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm
Welcome!
We put this blog together to keep the public informed about the latest developments pertaining to multiple complaints to the Illinois Department of Agriculture against licensed animal shelter "Pet Rescue, Inc." of Bloomingdale, IL.
Mark Saxenmeyer of FOX News Chicago exposed Pet Rescue in a newscast on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Since then, we have heard from many people asking status. Please stay tuned, as we will be updating this blog as developments occur.
Mark Saxenmeyer of FOX News Chicago exposed Pet Rescue in a newscast on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Since then, we have heard from many people asking status. Please stay tuned, as we will be updating this blog as developments occur.
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