Woman agrees to give up pets

DIXON, Ill. -- A northern Illinois woman accused of hoarding hundreds of animals at her rural home has agreed to turn them over to a local Humane Society, saying she just wants the best for her pets.

Under a petition filed Tuesday by Lee County prosecutors, the animals once kept by Barbara Munroe, 65, of Rochelle now belong to the TAILS Humane Society. Munroe did not object to the petition.

"She was concerned about the animals and wanted them to be in the best place," Assistant State's Attorney Andrew Bollman said. "She wanted to know they will be adopted to good homes."

The animals -- including about 160 cats, 106 dogs and 31 birds -- will be eligible for adoption as soon as next week, said Beth Drake, executive director of TAILS in DeKalb.

She said many of the animals need medical treatment, including spaying or neutering and dental care.

Munroe has pleaded not guilty to 10 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and not caring for her pets. Officials said they found at least 200 dead animals at Munroe's home in addition to the hundreds living in squalid conditions.