Local
Lemont rescues 76 dogs from crowded home as animal groups seek help
Police and animal-control teams removed 76 dogs from a Lemont property where they were found in unsafe, overcrowded conditions. Local rescues are taking in some of the animals and say they need medical care and rehabilitation.
Authorities removed 76 dogs from a home on the 800 block of McCarthy Road in Lemont after police found the animals in crowded and unsafe conditions while serving a search warrant this week, officials said. The home has since been condemned, and animal rescue groups are working to care for the dogs.
The search was related to a Firearms Restraining Order involving the property’s owner, 58-year-old Andrew Malak, police said. Officers also recovered three firearms. Malak was arrested and charged with several counts of animal cruelty and felony weapons offenses, according to police. The charges are allegations; court information was not provided.
Photos shared by Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue showed grime and debris across floors and walls, with plastic bins that appeared to have been used as makeshift beds. Kim Arius, the rescue’s owner, said the smell inside caused her eyes and throat to burn. Her organization is taking three of the dogs, including one believed to be pregnant.
Arius said she had expected to find far fewer animals. The dogs were scattered around the property, including in the garage, yard and bushes, she said.
Lemont police, Cook County Animal Control, the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Animal Cruelty Unit and other local animal-control departments helped remove the dogs. Many Paws Global Rescue said the animals will need veterinary evaluations, treatment and patient rehabilitation, and appealed to the community for support as it works to rehouse them.