if there are any dog breed rescue PTers in northern Illinois...

[cassiesmom]

===> Bump

[cassiesmom]

Woman accused of hoarding pets sent to hospital for psychiatric tests
Judge to rule on fate of 300 animals taken from woman's home

Tribune staff report
October 17, 2007

A woman accused of hoarding 300 living and 200 dead animals in her rural home west of DeKalb has been sent to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation, officials said Tuesday.

Barbara Munroe, 65, of Rochelle, was transferred from the Lee County Jail late Monday, Lee County Assistant State's Atty. Andrew Bollman said.

Prosecutors had asked a judge to grant an emergency petition to have her committed.

Within five days, Munroe will return to court, and a judge will rule whether she should continue to be committed or be released, Bollman said. If she is released, Munroe will return to jail because she has not posted a $35,000 bail.

"We are concerned for her welfare," Bollman said. "Obviously, there are mental and physical concerns."

Prosecutors also are asking a judge to confiscate Munroe's animals so the TAILS Humane Society in DeKalb can offer them for adoption. Bollman said he expects the judge to rule on the fate of about 160 cats, 105 dogs and 35 birds within about 10 days.

Most of the animals are still being cared for in a makeshift shelter at Taylor Municipal Airport in DeKalb, TAILS Executive Director Beth Drake said Tuesday.

Some will be released to breed-rescue groups for foster care, and others will continue to be cared for at the airport, she said.

If a judge strips Munroe of ownership, the humane society will start offering the animals for adoption, she said.

Lee County Animal Control officials discovered the animals last week when they were investigating why 35 of Munroe's dogs had not gotten rabies vaccinations, officials said.

Munroe had let the animals take over the house while she slept on her porch atop a plastic storage bin containing dead cats, authorities have said.

[Freedom]

Good heavens! I can't imagine working on that rescue. I'd be in tears the whole time.

Those pets are on the road to a better future, now. Prayers for all of them and the workers caring for them. I saw the long list of helpers involved, PetCo and PetsSmart Groomers. My gosh, how do you even start when you have to coordinate something like that!

[pitc9]

OMG!!

The before pictures are heartbreaking... but make sure you look at the updated pictures, they all look SO happy!! They know they were saved!!

[cyber-sibes]

Why in the world did it take so long for someone to step in? Sad for the animals, and sad for the woman, too. She needs help, poor soul.
Angie, you're right, the up-dated photos are wonderful.