Local
Lemont rescue sends 33 dogs to Chicago shelter for care after police search
Anti-Cruelty took in 33 dogs from a group of about 76 removed from a Lemont home where police found animals in crowded, unsafe conditions. The dogs range from puppies to adults, and the shelter says many will need individualized care before they are ready for adoption.
Thirty-three dogs rescued from a Lemont home arrived at Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty shelter late Friday, part of a response involving roughly 76 dogs removed from the property this week, the shelter said Saturday, Oct. 24.
The home, on the 800 block of McCarthy Road, has been condemned. Lemont police found the dogs in crowded and unsafe conditions while executing a search warrant connected to a Firearms Restraining Order, authorities said.
The property’s owner, 58-year-old Andrew Malak, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and felony weapons offenses, police said. Officers also recovered three firearms. The charges are allegations; the source information provided no further details about the case’s court status.
The dogs range from 8-week-old puppies to adults and include a variety of breeds and temperaments. Anti-Cruelty said many are undersocialized and will need patience and individualized attention as they settle into new surroundings. The shelter was still assessing the animals Saturday and had not announced when any would be available for adoption.
Animal-control agencies from Cook County and neighboring counties, along with shelters and rescue groups, helped with the large-scale response. Anti-Cruelty said the dogs’ needs are being evaluated as its team works to help them adjust.