Prosecutors try to seize Elgin suspect's pit bulls

An Elgin man charged with animal cruelty was given five days Friday to come up with $10,752 to cover the expense of caring for his numerous pit bulls and a pet snake while he's behind bars.

Kane County prosecutors filed a motion this week seeking to seize the animals owned by Alejandro Campos-Rivera, 37, who was arrested Feb. 19 when police raided his home on the 200 block of South Liberty Street.

Campos-Rivera is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and production of more than 50 marijuana plants. He is being held in the county jail on $750,000 bond.

Police said they carried out a search warrant at Campon-Rivera's home as part of a drug investigation and ended up finding more than 20 pit bulls and a boa constrictor inside, in addition to a marijuana-growing operation.

According to a police affidavit, six of the dogs were euthanized after exhibiting "aggressive" behavior, and another five were put down later because they had contracted a virus. Police said the dogs had no food or water and several had injuries when they were found.

On Friday, Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon gave Campos-Rivera five business days to come up with $10,752.28 to care for the animals while awaiting trial. If he cannot, officials said, the animals will be seized by the state's attorney's office after his March 10 court appearance.