Naperville-area man sues DuPage sheriff's office over raid

A Naperville-area man is suing the DuPage County sheriff, arguing the department violated his civil rights when it conducted a raid on his farm in 2006 without a warrant.

Deputies raided Lloyd Hamman's farm at 26W055 Plank Road upon suspicion of cruelty to animals. They confiscated about four dozen goats and chickens, alleging goats' hoofs were so overgrown, the animals were forced to hobble around on their knees. Some chickens had open lesions. At least one goat carcass was found.

The county argued that police have a right to enter property upon suspicion of "imminent danger" to life, including that of animals, but a judge didn't buy it, ordering evidence collected during the raid suppressed.

After that, the criminal case was dropped Sept. 13 2007.

Hamman, 73, is now suing in federal court for an unspecified amount of general, compensatory and punitive damages.

A representative for the sheriff's office could not be immediately contacted for comment Friday afternoon.