New violations filed against Pet Rescue

By Christy Gutowski Daily Herald Staff
Published: 4/10/2009 12:01 AM

Bloomingdale's beleaguered Pet Rescue is facing more state scrutiny.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking to revoke the no-kill animal shelter's license and impose a fine after state officials filed 22 new violations.
The privately run shelter is accused of failing to provide records for 21 cats and one dog, named Mickey Blue Eyes, that state officials requested. A May 19 hearing is set in Springfield.
"It is a record-keeping matter, but it's a basic requirement under the statute," said Jeff Squibb, the agriculture department's spokesman. "We believe it's critical on behalf of the care of animals."
This is the second time state officials tried to shut down Pet Rescue in recent months. Operators were accused of four earlier violations involving sick animals and the lack of a pressurized water source in an annex building.
Pet Rescue paid a $200 fine for one violation. In a March 3 ruling, administrative law judge John Shull allowed the shelter to remain open when he dismissed two other violations but upheld one regarding the water source. Pet Rescue is appealing the $500 fine.
The shelter, which opened three decades ago, has been a subject of controversy for years as former volunteers, workers and clients accused operators of improper care of the animals.
In fact, a Carol Stream woman is facing a misdemeanor theft charge after being accused of trying to steal a puppy when her adoption attempt was denied. Her lawyer said the woman was so troubled by Pet Rescue conditions that she feared for the puppy's safety.
Pet Rescue president Dale Armon, 74, and her director, Penny Horak, 69, also are facing criminal charges alleging misdemeanor animal cruelty and violation of their duties for several sick cats and dogs, some of whom had to be euthanized.
Armon and Horak maintain their innocence. A March 23 trial was postponed.
Defense attorney Rick Schoenfield argues the state animal welfare law is unconstitutional. Lawyers may argue before DuPage Associate Judge Ronald Sutter during an April 16 court hearing. Schoenfield said he feels so passionately about the shelter's importance, he is working for free.
"My reason for doing so is my belief that Pet Rescue saves hundreds of animals a year that would otherwise be on the street or be killed," he said.
As part of the criminal proceedings, Judge Sutter ordered regular inspections of the shelter. Squibb said state agriculture officials and a licensed veterinarian inspect the facility at 151 N. Bloomingdale Road at least three times a month.
Meanwhile, Bloomingdale officials said they are holding off on a hearing to review Pet Rescue's special-use permit until the court and state agriculture proceedings conclude. The issue is on the village board's agenda for its 7:30 p.m. Monday meeting.