Charges against Pet Rescue director upgraded
Prosecutors upgraded charges Tuesday against the director of Pet Rescue after alleging more animals at the controversial Bloomingdale shelter were mistreated.
Last month, Penny I. Horak was charged with one misdemeanor alleging she violated state law regarding animal owner's duties in failing to provide humane care for a sick cat named Mia, who had to be euthanized.
Horak, 69, of Winfield, faced up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine if convicted.
On Tuesday, prosecutor Amanda Meindl filed 15 additional criminal allegations, 12 of which mirror the earlier charge but involve more cats and dogs. Horak also is facing three more serious misdemeanors in which she is charged with providing cruel treatment to animals. Those allegations carry a possible one-year jail term and $2,500 fine.
Horak did not outwardly react Tuesday after learning of the new charges. She pleaded not guilty when arraigned before DuPage County Associate Judge Ronald Sutter.
Her attorney, Rick Schoenfield, was unavailable for comment.
Pet Rescue, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter, has been the focus of several state investigations and civil court proceedings through the years. Former volunteers and clients who said they adopted sick animals have picketed, filed complaints and even launched an Internet site to try to force the shelter's closing.
Earlier in the summer, some volunteers worked undercover to secretly collect information to hand over to authorities. They also enlisted the help of Cherie Travis, the assistant director of the Center for Animal Law at DePaul University College of Law.
Travis applauded prosecutors and police for pursuing charges, which she called a victory for animals.
"For 28 years, various groups of concerned citizens have tried to get the authorities to take action to remedy the widespread neglect of animals at this shelter but have been largely unsuccessful," Travis said. "The director of Pet Rescue is being called to account for the deplorable conditions of the animals in her care - animals that have literally been neglected to death."
State officials also fined Pet Rescue $200 last month for another case in which two adopted cats were found during a veterinary inspection between them to have conjunctivitis, severe upper respiratory infections, pus coming out of their ears and a 104-degree temperature.
Horak is due back in court Nov. 19.
Meanwhile, a joint investigation involving state and local authorities is ongoing. So far, the shelter's operator, Dale Armon, has not been charged. The shelter continues to operate.