St. Charles Twp. woman charged with animal cruelty after discovery of dead dogs

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a St. Charles Township woman charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.

On May 29, a Kane County sheriff's deputy was dispatched to the 7N100 block of West Drive to investigate a report of animal hoarding, but no one answered the door. The deputy returned to the home the next day and discovered a garbage bag outside that smelled like decomposing animal remains.

The bag was partially open, and the deputy could see the remains of what appeared to be a small dog. The deputy located the homeowner, Emily Chesterfield, 27, who allowed the deputy inside, according to sheriff's office news release. The deputy found another dead dog outside the residence and third inside, the news release said.

Nine living dogs, in varying degrees of health, were taken to Kane County Animal Control.

Chesterfield initially was charged with two misdemeanors in the case and was released with a notice to appear in court.

On Thursday, Animal Control and a sheriff's deputy searched the home and found a bearded dragon and another dog, which had been neglected, the news release said

Authorities said William Chesterfield, a relative of Emily Chesterfield, was responsible for the dog. He was charged with two misdemeanors counts of failing to supply adequate food and water and was given a July 10 court date.

The Kane County state's attorney's office since has authorized an upgraded felony count of aggravated animal cruelty against Emily Chesterfield.