Target: Diane Couri, Macon County State’s Attorney, Illinois
Goal: Seek maximum penalties, restitution, and a long-term animal ownership ban, given reports that two dogs died from traumatic neck injuries and other animals were kept in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.
Officers reportedly discovered a grim scene during a call that began as a burglary complaint. Multiple animals were said to be living in unsafe, unsanitary conditions, and two deceased dogs were recovered on the property. Necropsies later reportedly confirmed traumatic injuries to the dogs’ necks, while surviving dogs and cats were seized for veterinary care and evaluation. As reported by responding officials, evidence at the scene indicated the animals had been living in poor conditions for some time.
According to law enforcement statements, the residents claimed the dogs’ deaths were due to a break-in and that the animals had been properly cared for, but observations by officers and animal control staff did not support those assertions. The animals that survived were transferred to county care for treatment and assessment, underscoring the severity of the alleged neglect.
Animal cruelty cases like this one are not isolated incidents; they reveal systemic vulnerabilities that demand a strong prosecutorial response. Meaningful accountability—through rigorous prosecution, fines, jail time where appropriate, mandatory counseling, restitution for veterinary costs, and a lengthy prohibition on owning animals—is essential to deter future harm. This case merits a firm, transparent pursuit of justice to reflect the seriousness of the reported suffering and loss of life.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State’s Attorney Couri,
Reports from law enforcement and animal control describe a deeply troubling situation in which multiple animals were found in unsafe, unsanitary conditions, with two dogs recovered deceased. Necropsy results reportedly confirmed traumatic injuries to the dogs’ necks, and surviving animals were seized for urgent care and evaluation. On-scene evidence reportedly indicated that poor conditions had persisted for some time.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue this case vigorously. Appropriate charges and, upon conviction, meaningful penalties—including jail time where warranted, substantial fines, restitution for veterinary costs, mandated psychological evaluation and counseling, and a long-term ban on animal ownership—would reflect the gravity of the reported harm. Conditions that purportedly left animals suffering and led to two canine deaths call for a response that prioritizes both accountability and prevention.
By seeking strong, enforceable outcomes and advocating for conditions that protect animals going forward, your office can help ensure that this reported cruelty is met with justice and that similar cases are deterred.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Sonia Sevilla
