advertisement

Kane County seeks public's help to move animals off Hampshire farm

Kane County Animal Control is asking for the public's help in moving animals off a Hampshire farm where 10 dead animals were discovered last week.

The owner of the farm — who does not own the animals — has asked that all the animals be removed by midnight Tuesday, according to Robert Sauceda, Animal Control director.

About 84 animals will be moved to a private facility in Maple Park that has been donated, Sauceda said.

Animal Control doesn't have the necessary equipment to remove the remaining animals, which include horses, alpacas and llamas. Volunteers with training or equipment are asked to meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Animal Control office at 4060 Keslinger Road in Geneva, near Peck Road.

Animal Control also wants help building temporary three-sided structures at the relocation site, to shelter goats.

“We're doing the best we can with what we have,” Sauceda said.

The county has received donations of hay, straw, feed, fresh produce and more since the condition of the animals became public.

For more information about the move, call Animal Control at (630) 232-3555 and leave a message.

The county is taking care of the animals while awaiting the results of an impoundment order from the state veterinarian. The owner, Stacy Fiebelkorn of Elgin, has through Tuesday to appeal the impoundment order.

Fiebelkorn has been charged with cruelty to animals and failure to provide adequate food, shelter and care. Both are misdemeanor charges.

The Kane County state's attorney has also sought a judge's order to remove the animals.

Fiebelkorn rented space on the farm for the animals.

Stacy Fiebelkorn and Sandra Fiebelkorn own the Mini Zoo Crew Petting Zoo and Rescue. Animal Control officers, responding to a tip, found a dead horse and a dead horse fetus on a farm in Maple Park that Stacy Fiebelkorn used, and received information that led them to the farm in the 44W200 block of Route 20 in Hampshire. There they ultimately discovered 10 more dead animals, including goats, chickens, a donkey and two miniature horses. Dozens of other animals, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, miniature donkeys, alpacas, llamas and full and miniature horses, did not have adequate food and water, according to the sheriff's office and Sauceda. Mini Zoo Crew had been cited by the USDA for animal safety and sanitation violations in 2012 and 2013, and its license was revoked last week.

Stacy Fiebelkorn is due to appear at 9 a.m. March 18 at Kane County Branch Court in St. Charles.

10 animals found dead

Hampshire-area petting zoo loses license; 2 more dead goats found

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.