WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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A man and woman from Huntley face nearly 100 combined counts of cruelty to animals following a months-long investigation into the abandonment of more than 50 dogs at a Belvidere dog park.
Concepcion Rodriguez, 61, is charged with 73 counts of cruelty to animals and 19 counts of violation of owner’s duties. Bruce Walla, 54, is charged with 19 counts of cruelty to animal and 19 counts of violation of owner’s duties.
The arrests come after 54 Maltese mixed breed dogs were found soaking wet on July 15 at Hammertime Unleashed Dog Park in Belvidere. The dogs are now being cared for at multiple rescues in the area until they are available for adoption.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office says Rodriguez and Walla were identified as suspects in the investigation.
On July 25, McHenry County authorities searched a home on Wheatlands Way in Huntley, and reportedly found probable cause for charges of animal cruelty. The home was also deemed uninhabitable due to health code violations.
More animals were recovered from the home and are receiving medical care, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office says.
Both Rodriguez and Walla were arrested Sept. 6 in Huntley and each charged with 19 counts of cruelty to animals and 19 counts of violation of owner’s duties. The two were released and are set to appear in court in McHenry County on a later date.
Rodriguez was charged with another 54 counts of cruelty to animals by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and appeared in court over video on Sept 9. At this time, Walla does not face any charges in Boone County.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 544-2144 or the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-5311.
