Adopt a shelter pet now if you can
Daily Herald Editorial Board
At a time when there is a lot in the news and in our lives that is tough to take, among the most mystifying are the stories about innocent children and animals being abused and victimized.
Sadly, we've had to write a lot recently about a suspected case of hundreds of animals being abused and neglected at Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale. The nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter's license was revoked recently by the Illinois Department of Agriculture after a fourth violation.
No one has been convicted of anything yet and we all should remember that. Director Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, faces misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty and violation of duties. Owner Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, faces 16, similar misdemeanor counts after several shelter cats and dogs had to be euthanized.
That such a thing could happen in the midst of our fairly affluent suburbs remains hard to believe. What is most frustrating and mystifying are the reports that indicate good, caring volunteers and clients have been trying to save the animals there; to get what they saw as a horrific situation fixed for years. Why did it take four violations? Why has it taken so long for the village, county and state officials to act? Daily Herald Legal Affairs Writer Christy Gutowski has reported the shelter has been the focus of civil probes for years. Former workers and clients have picketed, lodged repeated complaints and set up a Web site about the shelter. Several people, she reported, worked undercover this summer to help law enforcement officials gather evidence. If any of the allegations are true, it's hard not to wonder how many innocent animals could have been saved if state and county officials had acted with more urgency.
The shelter's attorney, Rick Schoenfield, filed an emergency motion Tuesday to lift the license suspension, arguing his clients were denied a chance to respond.
"All of the charges allege that there was a lack of necessary veterinarian care," Schoenfield said. "Pet Rescue has veterinarians that it uses and gets the animals care as needed. We expect to be completely vindicated."
That may be. But if any animals in Bloomingdale, and at the shelter's farm in Hebron, need more help, we urge officials to get to them and provide it immediately.
And we urge all who are reading about this case to not let these stories deter you from adopting a pet from the many worthy animal shelters operating in our suburbs. October just happens to be adopt-a-shelter-pet month and we know from our own experience shelter cats and dogs can bring a lifetime of companionship, joy, and love. Certainly, caring for another life _ human or animal _ is a big responsibility with significant costs and risks. The rewards can be even greater.
In these challenging times, if you have the resources, the love and commitment in your heart to make life better for one needy animal, we strongly encourage you to visit an animal shelter soon and take the plunge. You'll be doing so much good and you'll reap the rewards for years to come.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/08
Neglect court case means shelter's cats can't be moved
Bloomingdale business' operators are charged in criminal case
Tribune staff report
October 30, 2008
A DuPage County judge on Wednesday ordered a Bloomingdale animal shelter not to remove or transfer 13 cats that are considered evidence in the criminal charges against two of the shelter's operators.
The judge delayed a decision on allowing unannounced inspections of Pet Rescue Inc., 151 N. Bloomingdale Rd., until the defendants' Nov. 24 court date.
Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, a director of the shelter, Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, the facility's owner, and Pet Rescue are each charged with 16 counts of animal neglect.
The state has suspended the shelter's license to take in any more animals or adopt any out.
Bloomingdale business' operators are charged in criminal case
Tribune staff report
October 30, 2008
A DuPage County judge on Wednesday ordered a Bloomingdale animal shelter not to remove or transfer 13 cats that are considered evidence in the criminal charges against two of the shelter's operators.
The judge delayed a decision on allowing unannounced inspections of Pet Rescue Inc., 151 N. Bloomingdale Rd., until the defendants' Nov. 24 court date.
Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, a director of the shelter, Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, the facility's owner, and Pet Rescue are each charged with 16 counts of animal neglect.
The state has suspended the shelter's license to take in any more animals or adopt any out.
MySuburbanLife, 10/29/08
Judge bars shelter from removing animalsBy Dan Petrella, dpetrella@mysuburbanlife.com
Suburban Life Publications
Wed Oct 29, 2008, 04:00 PM CDT
Bloomingdale, IL -
A DuPage County judge ordered Wednesday that 13 animals involved in a criminal case against the operators of a Bloomingdale shelter must remain there, at least until a court hearing next month.
Pet Rescue and two of its officers each have been charged with 16 misdemeanor counts for animal cruelty and violation of owners’ duties. The Illinois Department of Agriculture suspended the shelter’s license earlier this month.
In addition to the company, director Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, and president Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, have been charged. Both women face up to a year in jail if they are convicted.
Associate Judge Jane Hird Mitton ordered the animals can only leave the shelter to receive veterinary care.
“The order will be that the animals that are subject to these complaints are not transferred out of the facility,” she said.
Prosecutors are also seeking a court order to allow county or state officials to make regular inspections of the shelter. A hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 24 to decide that matter.
Assistant state’s attorney Amanda Meindl said authorities were concerned that without a court order barring their transfer, some of the animals may have been moved to another property in Hebron.
Horak’s defense attorney, Rick Schoenfield, said the shelter was deprived of due process because the Department of Agriculture suspended its license without a hearing.
According to state documents, the license for Pet Rescue was suspended for 12 months after a fourth violation of the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act was discovered at the facility Oct. 16. The violation indicates there was no operating handwashing facility in one of the buildings on the site.
Jeff Squibb, communications manager for the IDOA, said employees at Pet Rescue are caring for the animals housed there, and are being monitored by the IDOA, local police and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
For about 30 years, former Pet Rescue volunteers have been trying to shut the shelter down due to the poor conditions in which they say animals there are kept.
Cherie Travis, of Downers Grove, is associate director of the Center for Animal Law at DePaul University.
After Wednesday’s court hearing, she said the former volunteers are not only concerned that the animals involved in the case may be transferred, but that any of the 200 animals could be taken away from the shelter.
“The issue is that they’re all being neglected,” Travis said.
Staff writer David Heitz contributed to this report.
Suburban Life Publications
Wed Oct 29, 2008, 04:00 PM CDT
Bloomingdale, IL -
A DuPage County judge ordered Wednesday that 13 animals involved in a criminal case against the operators of a Bloomingdale shelter must remain there, at least until a court hearing next month.
Pet Rescue and two of its officers each have been charged with 16 misdemeanor counts for animal cruelty and violation of owners’ duties. The Illinois Department of Agriculture suspended the shelter’s license earlier this month.
In addition to the company, director Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, and president Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, have been charged. Both women face up to a year in jail if they are convicted.
Associate Judge Jane Hird Mitton ordered the animals can only leave the shelter to receive veterinary care.
“The order will be that the animals that are subject to these complaints are not transferred out of the facility,” she said.
Prosecutors are also seeking a court order to allow county or state officials to make regular inspections of the shelter. A hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 24 to decide that matter.
Assistant state’s attorney Amanda Meindl said authorities were concerned that without a court order barring their transfer, some of the animals may have been moved to another property in Hebron.
Horak’s defense attorney, Rick Schoenfield, said the shelter was deprived of due process because the Department of Agriculture suspended its license without a hearing.
According to state documents, the license for Pet Rescue was suspended for 12 months after a fourth violation of the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act was discovered at the facility Oct. 16. The violation indicates there was no operating handwashing facility in one of the buildings on the site.
Jeff Squibb, communications manager for the IDOA, said employees at Pet Rescue are caring for the animals housed there, and are being monitored by the IDOA, local police and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
For about 30 years, former Pet Rescue volunteers have been trying to shut the shelter down due to the poor conditions in which they say animals there are kept.
Cherie Travis, of Downers Grove, is associate director of the Center for Animal Law at DePaul University.
After Wednesday’s court hearing, she said the former volunteers are not only concerned that the animals involved in the case may be transferred, but that any of the 200 animals could be taken away from the shelter.
“The issue is that they’re all being neglected,” Travis said.
Staff writer David Heitz contributed to this report.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/08
Judge to animal shelter: Don't move cats
October 29, 2008 at 12:02 PM
A Bloomingdale animal shelter was ordered today not to remove or transfer 13 cats considered evidence in the criminal case against two of the shelters operators.
DuPage County Judge Jane Mitton delayed a decision on allowing unannounced inspections of Pet Rescue until the defendants' next court date.
DuPage County prosecutors filed 16 charges of animal neglect in September against Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, a director of the shelter, claiming that 13 cats were neglected or treated cruelly there. On Friday prosecutors filed the same charges against Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, listed as the owner of the facility, as well as Pet Rescue Inc., 151 N. Bloomingdale Road.
Earlier this month the Illinois Department of Agriculture suspended the license of the shelter, denying it permission to take in any more animals or adopting any out.
Assistant State's Atty. Amanda Meindl told the judge that Pet Rescue has a McHenry County facility and that prosecutors didn't want the animals involved in the case transferred out of DuPage County.
Mitton said that she would review the request to have unannounced inspections of the Bloomingdale facility, which still reportedly holds 100 or more animals, until Nov. 24, when all three criminal cases are up for status.
If convicted, the two defendants face up to a year in jail.
Each of the court hearings on the case has been attended by up to a dozen people opposed to the shelter's operations, contending that the animals are mistreated and that sick animals have been adopted out.
--Art Barnum, Chicago Tribune
Source:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/10/judge-to-animal-shelter-dont-move-cats.html#more
October 29, 2008 at 12:02 PM
A Bloomingdale animal shelter was ordered today not to remove or transfer 13 cats considered evidence in the criminal case against two of the shelters operators.
DuPage County Judge Jane Mitton delayed a decision on allowing unannounced inspections of Pet Rescue until the defendants' next court date.
DuPage County prosecutors filed 16 charges of animal neglect in September against Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, a director of the shelter, claiming that 13 cats were neglected or treated cruelly there. On Friday prosecutors filed the same charges against Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, listed as the owner of the facility, as well as Pet Rescue Inc., 151 N. Bloomingdale Road.
Earlier this month the Illinois Department of Agriculture suspended the license of the shelter, denying it permission to take in any more animals or adopting any out.
Assistant State's Atty. Amanda Meindl told the judge that Pet Rescue has a McHenry County facility and that prosecutors didn't want the animals involved in the case transferred out of DuPage County.
Mitton said that she would review the request to have unannounced inspections of the Bloomingdale facility, which still reportedly holds 100 or more animals, until Nov. 24, when all three criminal cases are up for status.
If convicted, the two defendants face up to a year in jail.
Each of the court hearings on the case has been attended by up to a dozen people opposed to the shelter's operations, contending that the animals are mistreated and that sick animals have been adopted out.
--Art Barnum, Chicago Tribune
Source:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/10/judge-to-animal-shelter-dont-move-cats.html#more
Daily Herald, 10/29/08
Second Pet Rescue official faces charges
By Christy Gutowski | Daily Herald Staff
The controversy surrounding Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale continues to swirl as a second shelter official is accused of providing improper care to sick animals.
Owner Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, is facing 16 misdemeanor counts alleging animal cruelty and the violation of her duties for several cats and dogs, some of whom had to be euthanized. She is due in court Nov. 24.
Director Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, was charged in August with similar misdemeanors.
The private no-kill shelter long has been the focus of civil state probes. Former workers, volunteers and clients picketed and lodged complaints urging its closing.
Pet Rescue lost its license Oct. 16 after state agriculture officials cited it for a fourth violation. The shelter's attorney, Rick Schoenfield, filed an emergency motion Tuesday to lift the suspension, arguing they were denied a chance to respond.
"All of the charges allege that there was a lack of necessary veterinarian care," Schoenfield said. "Pet Rescue has veterinarians that it uses and gets the animals care as needed. We expect to be completely vindicated."
But one woman said she was so upset by what she saw at the shelter that she fled with a 9-month-old white Pappillon puppy July 11 after her attempt to adopt it was denied. Dorothy Redinger, 46, of Carol Stream, was charged with theft.
"The intent was to save the animal," her attorney Paul DeLuca said. "She said she couldn't leave this dog there one more minute."
Armon was charged Friday. Meanwhile, an estimated 100 animals remain at her shelter. Schoenfield said they are receiving proper care, but prosecutor Amanda Meindl asked a judge to allow licensed professionals to make unannounced visits. Until that issue is decided, she'll seek Wednesday to bar the shelter from transferring the animals.
By Christy Gutowski | Daily Herald Staff
The controversy surrounding Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale continues to swirl as a second shelter official is accused of providing improper care to sick animals.
Owner Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, is facing 16 misdemeanor counts alleging animal cruelty and the violation of her duties for several cats and dogs, some of whom had to be euthanized. She is due in court Nov. 24.
Director Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, was charged in August with similar misdemeanors.
The private no-kill shelter long has been the focus of civil state probes. Former workers, volunteers and clients picketed and lodged complaints urging its closing.
Pet Rescue lost its license Oct. 16 after state agriculture officials cited it for a fourth violation. The shelter's attorney, Rick Schoenfield, filed an emergency motion Tuesday to lift the suspension, arguing they were denied a chance to respond.
"All of the charges allege that there was a lack of necessary veterinarian care," Schoenfield said. "Pet Rescue has veterinarians that it uses and gets the animals care as needed. We expect to be completely vindicated."
But one woman said she was so upset by what she saw at the shelter that she fled with a 9-month-old white Pappillon puppy July 11 after her attempt to adopt it was denied. Dorothy Redinger, 46, of Carol Stream, was charged with theft.
"The intent was to save the animal," her attorney Paul DeLuca said. "She said she couldn't leave this dog there one more minute."
Armon was charged Friday. Meanwhile, an estimated 100 animals remain at her shelter. Schoenfield said they are receiving proper care, but prosecutor Amanda Meindl asked a judge to allow licensed professionals to make unannounced visits. Until that issue is decided, she'll seek Wednesday to bar the shelter from transferring the animals.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Daily Herald, 10/23/08
Pet Rescue loses license, owner charged with animal cruelty
By Christy Gutowski | Daily Herald Staff
After years of complaints, state officials for the first time have suspended the license of a controversial Bloomingdale animal shelter as its director faces criminal charges.
Pet Rescue lost its license Oct. 16 after the Illinois Department of Agriculture cited it for a fourth violation. The shelter must wait one year before applying for a new license.
Authorities have not attempted to seize the roughly 100 animals they believe are kept at the shelter. But on Friday, prosecutors will ask DuPage Associate Judge Ronald Sutter to allow either a state official, police or animal control officer to make unannounced visits with a licensed veterinarian to ensure the animals have the necessary food, water, shelter and care.
Prosecutors also are seeking to bar Pet Rescue officials from moving any of the animals to their McHenry County farm in Hebron.
The judge may grant the requests as a condition of Director Penny I. Horak's bond on misdemeanor charges alleging cruel treatment to animals and violation of owner's duties. The criminal allegations stem from a sick cat named Mia, who had to be euthanized, as well as complaints involving more cats and dogs.
Horak, 69, of Winfield, faces a possible one-year jail term and $2,500 fine.
Pet Rescue, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter, has been the focus of several state investigations and civil court proceedings for years. Former volunteers and clients who adopted sick animals have picketed, filed complaints and even launched an Internet site.
Last summer, some volunteers worked undercover to secretly collect evidence. They also enlisted the help of Cherie Travis, the assistant director of the Center for Animal Law at DePaul University College of Law.
"It's frustrating that the case is moving slowly for the animals that have suffered for years," she said. "The number one concern of the former volunteers who brought countless allegations of abuse and neglect is that the animals receive immediate care."
The latest state agriculture violation alleges Pet Rescue lacked a pressurized water source or handwashing facility in its annex building. Earlier violations involved two adopted cats that had conjunctivitis, severe upper respiratory infections, pus coming out of their ears and a 104-degree temperature.
The shelter's operator, Dale Armon, has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing.
By Christy Gutowski | Daily Herald Staff
After years of complaints, state officials for the first time have suspended the license of a controversial Bloomingdale animal shelter as its director faces criminal charges.
Pet Rescue lost its license Oct. 16 after the Illinois Department of Agriculture cited it for a fourth violation. The shelter must wait one year before applying for a new license.
Authorities have not attempted to seize the roughly 100 animals they believe are kept at the shelter. But on Friday, prosecutors will ask DuPage Associate Judge Ronald Sutter to allow either a state official, police or animal control officer to make unannounced visits with a licensed veterinarian to ensure the animals have the necessary food, water, shelter and care.
Prosecutors also are seeking to bar Pet Rescue officials from moving any of the animals to their McHenry County farm in Hebron.
The judge may grant the requests as a condition of Director Penny I. Horak's bond on misdemeanor charges alleging cruel treatment to animals and violation of owner's duties. The criminal allegations stem from a sick cat named Mia, who had to be euthanized, as well as complaints involving more cats and dogs.
Horak, 69, of Winfield, faces a possible one-year jail term and $2,500 fine.
Pet Rescue, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter, has been the focus of several state investigations and civil court proceedings for years. Former volunteers and clients who adopted sick animals have picketed, filed complaints and even launched an Internet site.
Last summer, some volunteers worked undercover to secretly collect evidence. They also enlisted the help of Cherie Travis, the assistant director of the Center for Animal Law at DePaul University College of Law.
"It's frustrating that the case is moving slowly for the animals that have suffered for years," she said. "The number one concern of the former volunteers who brought countless allegations of abuse and neglect is that the animals receive immediate care."
The latest state agriculture violation alleges Pet Rescue lacked a pressurized water source or handwashing facility in its annex building. Earlier violations involved two adopted cats that had conjunctivitis, severe upper respiratory infections, pus coming out of their ears and a 104-degree temperature.
The shelter's operator, Dale Armon, has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Calls Still Needed
It has been ONE MONTH since the DuPage County State's Attorney brought 15 criminal charges against Penny Horak, and yet the animals are STILL at Pet Rescue in deplorable conditions. In addition, and shockingly, even with limited resources to take care of the approximately 200 animals there, Penny continues to take in additional animals.
One month after the charges were brought, the animals are no better off, despite assurances from the State's Attorney's office.
Please phone DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett: 630-407-8000 and ask him to intervene. Leave a message for Birkett, Don't let them connect you with one of his staff attorneys.
Ask Birkett to show compassion for these animals suffering in cages, unable to receive any care or veterinary attention.
If a day care operator were charged with 15 criminal violations of neglect to children, the place would be shut down overnight. How does Pet Rescue remain in business?
One month after the charges were brought, the animals are no better off, despite assurances from the State's Attorney's office.
Please phone DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett: 630-407-8000 and ask him to intervene. Leave a message for Birkett, Don't let them connect you with one of his staff attorneys.
Ask Birkett to show compassion for these animals suffering in cages, unable to receive any care or veterinary attention.
If a day care operator were charged with 15 criminal violations of neglect to children, the place would be shut down overnight. How does Pet Rescue remain in business?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Bloomingdale Village Board meeting rescheduled
Please note that the village board meeting originally scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13 has been changed. The meeting will now take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Same time.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Speak out for the animals!
We need to put more pressure on our elected officials to do something about shutting down Pet Rescue.
Please bring your photos and stories to the next Village Board meeting, Monday, October 13 at 7:30pm at the Village Hall, 201 S. Bloomingdale Avenue, in Bloomingdale, IL.
Please spread the word!!!
Please bring your photos and stories to the next Village Board meeting, Monday, October 13 at 7:30pm at the Village Hall, 201 S. Bloomingdale Avenue, in Bloomingdale, IL.
Please spread the word!!!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Fox News Update 9/30/08
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7549127&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1
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