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Park Ridge woman accused of animal neglect
Virginia Dinucci / photo from McHenry County Sheriff's office
Maps
Updated: November 21, 2012 11:30AM
A Park Ridge woman is accused of animal neglect after authorities found nearly 100 animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, some of them deceased — in a home near Woodstock.
Virginia E. Dinucci, 54, faces three counts of animal neglect charges of cruel treatment and a dozen counts of neglect of owner’s duties. Her bail was set at $1,000 during a hearing in McHenry County court.
On Oct. 29, McHenry Coounty 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 an unincorporated area near Woodstock. Deputies also found a dead bird, cat and dog.
“The animals were dehydrated and hungry,” said Debra Quackenbush, a spokeswoman 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 for a well-being check after receiving a report the homeowner had not been seen for several weeks and there was a strong odor coming from the house, 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.”
The arrest of Dinucci, 1731 Pavilion Way, was announced Wednesday by the sheriff’s office.
Animal Control removed 19 dogs, 11 cats, 3 rabbits, 55 birds and a deceased dog, cat and bird during the course of this investigation. Dinucci relinquished the animals to Animal Control.
The animals have been evaluated, given medical attention, and are available for adoption at the McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center. Many of the birds have been placed with bird sanctuaries.
Undersheriff Andrew Zinke urged anyone who needs help caring for their pets to contact the McHenry County Animal Control office or local pet adoption centers.
