Illinois Woman Charged After 3 Dogs Found Dead, 10 Canines Rescued From Her Home

A woman was charged with animal cruelty Monday (June 8) after three deceased dogs were found at her home in Kane County, Illinois.

Deputies from Kane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in St Charles Township on May 29 after receiving a report of an animal hoarding situation. However, when no one answered the door, the deputies went back and returned the following day. Then, they found a garbage bag outside the home that smelled like decomposing remains. The officers could see the remains of a small dog inside the partially open bag.

The homeowner was located and she allowed the deputies inside the residence. While searching the home, the deputies found a deceased canine inside the residence and another one outside. The remains of all the three canines were taken to Kane County Animal Control.

Kane County Animal Control officers then responded to the home along with a veterinarian and found nine dogs “in varying degrees of health.” All of them were seized and transported to Kane County Animal Control.

On June 4, employees of Kane County Animal Control served a search warrant at the home and found another dog and a bearded dragon in a makeshift room in the garage. The canine was in a “neglected condition,” the police said. Following this, the owner of the home, identified as 27-year-old Emily Chesterfield, was charged with one count each of cruel treatment to animals and violating the Humane Care of Animals Act.

Meanwhile, investigation revealed William Chesterfield, a relative of the home owner, was living in the makeshift room and was responsible for the care of the canine. William was charged with two misdemeanor counts of Failure to Supply Proper Food and Water. He was scheduled to appear in court on July 10, 2020.

The incident ocurred less than two months after over 100 dogs were seized from a Kentucky shelter after they were found living in poor conditions. Kentucky State Police troopers executed a search warrant at the Trixie Foundation Animal Shelter and found a total of 104 dogs and four cats living in poor conditions.