Nearly 100 animals removed from Woodstock home
October 30, 2012 6:12PM
Photo from McHenry County Sheriff's office
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(WOODSTOCK) Investigators found more than 90 animals -- including more than 50 birds -- inside a northwest suburban home Monday morning.
Sheriff’s police found 55 birds, 19 dogs, 11 cats and three rabbits in the home in the 8600 block of Bull Run Trail in unincorporated Woodstock, according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s office. Deputies also found a dead bird, cat and dog.
“The animals were dehydrated and hungry,” said Debra Quackenbush, community information coordinator for the McHenry County Department of Public Health. “I am not sure when was the last time they were fed. The animlas need proper care and we will monitor their health conditions.”
Deputies went to the home about 10:30 a.m. Monday to conduct a well-being check after receiving a report that the homeowner had not been seen for several weeks and there was a strong odor coming from the house, a release from the sheriff’s office said.
The deputies forced their way into the home, but found only animals inside. They also found feces on the floor throughout the hopme and no visible signs of food or water for the animals.
“The animals looked dirty and unhealthy,” McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy Aimee Knop said. “There was no obvious sign of food or water. The residence was also dirty and unhealthy.”
Real estate listings indicate the six-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch home was built in 1989 and sits on three acres of land. It has a large kitchen, rec room with wet bar, and game room that opens onto a patio.
Investigators located the homeowner, 54-year-old Virginia E. Dinucci, at an apartment in Park Ridge, sheriff’s police said. She has not been charged, but police continue to investigate.
