Pet Rescue fined, warrant issued for director

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for the director of the often-controversial Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale, Penny Horak, who is charged with failing to provide humane care for a sick cat.

The animal, taken from the premises by a volunteer worried about its health in July, ultimately was euthanized.

But Bloomingdale police ordered a necropsy, or animal autopsy, be performed. Authorities then worked with officials from the Illinois Department of Agriculture on a joint investigation.

The result Wednesday was one misdemeanor charge and a state-imposed fine linked to a second case.

Horak, contacted Wednesday night, said only that she did not know details of the case before hanging up on a reporter.

State officials, though, are quite familiar with Pet Rescue, as it's been the subject of numerous investigations and court proceedings over the years.

"It's been a chronic problem. We've had investigators in and out of the facility for quite some time," said Jeff Squibb, the department of agriculture spokesman.

The current situation involves two separate episodes in July, explained animal law attorney Cherie Travis, who was asked by volunteers to get involved in the case.

The one in which Bloomingdale police filed charges relates to a cat named Mia, who had been at the shelter for more than a year. A volunteer who repeatedly pointed out that the animal needed medical care felt the cat was so sick on July 13 that she took her to a veterinarian, Travis said.

The veterinarian subsequently called Horak and Pet Rescue founder Dale Harmon, recommending the cat be euthanized because of its condition, Travis explained.

Horak refused, but Harmon conceded.

After an investigation, including the results of the necropsy, Bloomingdale Police charged Horak with one count of violating the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act. It is a Class B misdemeanor.

Also on Wednesday, Pet Rescue was fined $200 in connection with a second case in July.

Pet Rescue adopted two cats on July 12 that the new owner subsequently took for a veterinary inspection, Travis said. Between them they had conjunctivitis, severe upper respiratory infections, pus coming out of their ears and a 104-degree temperature.

Squibb said the fine, related to the adoptions of those two cats, was imposed under a state law requiring that all animals be healthy when they are sold.

In the past, there were no penalties for infractions other than a lengthy battle to pull an operating license. But under a revision to the law that went into effect June 1, fines are progressive. The first violation is $200, the second is $500 and the third within a three-year span is $1,000.

Squibb said state officials have referred the case involving the two sick cats to DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett, urging consideration for possible criminal charges.

"The important thing here is everybody is held to the law with regard to the treatment of animals," Travis said.