Second Pet Rescue official faces charges

The controversy surrounding Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale continues to swirl as a second shelter official is accused of providing improper care to sick animals.

Owner Dale Armon, 74, of Berkeley, is facing 16 misdemeanor counts alleging animal cruelty and the violation of her duties for several cats and dogs, some of whom had to be euthanized. She is due in court Nov. 24.

Director Penny Horak, 69, of Winfield, was charged in August with similar misdemeanors.

The private no-kill shelter long has been the focus of civil state probes. Former workers, volunteers and clients picketed and lodged complaints urging its closing.

Pet Rescue lost its license Oct. 16 after state agriculture officials cited it for a fourth violation. The shelter's attorney, Rick Schoenfield, filed an emergency motion Tuesday to lift the suspension, arguing they were denied a chance to respond.

"All of the charges allege that there was a lack of necessary veterinarian care," Schoenfield said. "Pet Rescue has veterinarians that it uses and gets the animals care as needed. We expect to be completely vindicated."

But one woman said she was so upset by what she saw at the shelter that she fled with a 9-month-old white Pappillon puppy July 11 after her attempt to adopt it was denied. Dorothy Redinger, 46, of Carol Stream, was charged with theft.

"The intent was to save the animal," her attorney Paul DeLuca said. "She said she couldn't leave this dog there one more minute."

Armon was charged Friday. Meanwhile, an estimated 100 animals remain at her shelter. Schoenfield said they are receiving proper care, but prosecutor Amanda Meindl asked a judge to allow licensed professionals to make unannounced visits. Until that issue is decided, she'll seek Wednesday to bar the shelter from transferring the animals.

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