20 Malnourished And Neglected Dogs Rescued In Thorton: Sheriff

THORTON TOWNSHIP, IL — Twenty dogs were rescued by the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department Monday morning, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

According to the sheriff, at around 9:30 a.m. the police department's Special Victims Unit responded with the county's Animal Control Unit to a call of animal neglect at 15000 Hastings Dr. in unincorporated Thorton Township.

According to the sheriff, once police arrived, officers went to the backyard of the residence and found six dogs in cages. The dogs were in an emaciated and malnourished condition, according to the sheriff. While investigating further, officers and animal control found one dog dead in its cage, according to the sheriff.

The sheriff's office said that while the officers were on the scene they heard barking inside the garage, but the garage was locked. The officers were unable to check on the dogs and the homeowner was not home at the time, according to the sheriff.

A search warrant was granted and officers were able to rescue and additional 14 dogs, also neglected and wounded, according to the sheriff. Each of the 20 dogs were sent to the Chicago Animal Control and Care facility, 2741 S Western Ave. in Chicago, according to the sheriff.

The sheriff's office said this is an ongoing investigation.