Elgin man charged after 60 dead cats found in van
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE September 27, 2012 7:54AM
An Elgin man was charged Wednesday after a city contractor found dozens of dead cats in a van parked at the man’s home.
William C. Tinkler, 60, of the 200 block of Villa Street in Elgin, was charged with one four counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, four counts of misdemeanor violation of owner’s duties and one count of misdemeanor violation of dead animal disposal, according to a release from Elgin police.
Police were called to the home about 10:30 a.m. and found about 60 dead cats and one dead dog inside a van, the release said.
Tinkler said he stored the animal carcasses in the vehicle after they died, police said. He told police he had another 12 living cats, some of which were recovered by animal control officers and taken to a veterinarian for observation.
Police said animal control officers intended to capture the other cats for observation.
Tinkler’s bond was set at $150. He will not be in court Thursday, since he posted the required bond amount Wednesday night. His next court appearance was set for 9 a.m. on November 2 in the Elgin Branch Court, 150 Dexter Court in Elgin, an Elgin spokesman said.
