“This was not a rescue, it was a torture camp for animals and the defendant was the prison guard,” -Assistant State’s Attorney Suzanne Willett.
Diane Eldrup, owner of Muddy Paws Shelter in Lake County, Illinois, was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison. Judge James Booris asked, “Why would she rescue them to death? It’s beyond comprehension.” This case has had people in the area shaking their heads, and many sick to their stomachs, for months.
Last December, after being alerted by Eldrup’s estranged husband to a horrific situation at her property, investigators found 14 dogs, 3 birds and a possum dead amid an array of trash, scattered empty food and water bowls, urine and feces. 4 live dogs and 2 live cats were recovered. Garbage bags filled with excrement were found stashed, her 8 year old son had been sleeping right next to where dead animals lie, and the dogs in the kennel died locked in cages without food or water.
After the snow melted, an additional 8 to 10 carcasses were discovered. One of these was a chihuahua adopted by Eldrup, found just outside her son’s bedroom window. Autopsies of a few of the dead animals concluded death by starvation and dehydration. At the time of her arrest, Eldrup claimed she had run into financial difficulties, and had been struggling to deal with an impending divorce, eventually shutting down emotionally.
Prosecutors pointed to the fact that she chose to take in the dogs, did not ask for help, intentionally hid the results of her neglect, and had at one time stated she resented the dogs for ruining her life. They brought Cindy Williams, animal control officer, to the witness stand, to narrate the photos taken of the carcasses found after the snow had melted and describe what she witnessed in the December investigation. Also taking the witness stand was Earl Feldman, whose pit bull Rocky had been boarded at Muddy Paws for 12 days. He testified that when he returned for his dog, Eldrup handed him a urine and feces encrusted leash, stating that Rocky had not faired well. The dog had lost 23 pounds, had 11 wounds, a staph infection, developed a heart murmur, and required $7,000 of vet care to recover.
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Photo credit: Paul Valade, Daily Herald |
A jury convicted her of 18 counts of animal torture and 18 counts of aggravated animal cruelty last month. In considering sentencing, Judge Booris addressed the defense pleas that Eldrup suffered from mental illness – obsessive-compulsive disorder and depressive disorder, and from post-traumatic stress disorder due to previous abuse. He chose to balance the need to address the atrocities of the crimes committed with the contention that he believed Eldrup was sincerely remorseful and capable of rehabilitation; she was sentenced to 30 months in jail, concurrent with 30 months of probation, with “periodic imprisonment” provisions to leave during the day for work, counseling, community service of 1,000 hours (excluding any contact with dogs) and time with her son. He stated that it was important for a child to have a mother and a father. Currently, his father has temporary custody.
Eldrup tearfully acknowledged her guilt and remorse over her actions, although she also attempted to blame her ex-husband. Judge Booris stated that many people have problems as she did, but don’t retaliate against dogs because they’re upset with their husband. “It takes a certain mean spirit, a certain meanness of heart,” he said, “She was running a concentration camp for dogs, taking those dogs in so she could kill them.”
The surviving animals are now thriving, and have been adopted into homes. This was the longest sentence for animal abuse in the county’s history.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sun-Times
Daily Herald
Hoarding and abuse are indicators of mental illness. My own dog was recovered from a 477 dog hoarding site and his owner,fleeing prosecution relocated and was later found with over 30 dogs. She was sentenced to 2 years in prison and without oversight and therapy I have no doubt that now that she’s out she’ll have more dogs again.
It’s easy to want these people to ‘pay’ for their crimes and impossible not be angry with them. But prison sentences alone will not stop them once they are released.
This is appalling on so many levels but the one thing that stood out for me is the one witness who have left his pitbull with her. Why wouldn’t he have inspected the premises?! And boarding at a “rescue”? That’s odd too.
@Debbie Jacobs – Most definitely, hoarding and animal abuse indicate mental illness. This was one of those many complicated situations where the atrocities continued because they were hidden behind the veil of “rescue”. This woman made it impossible for others to step in and help. There are some very angry folks, who most definitely wanted to see the punishment for crimes. You’re right, it’s important though to include counseling in the hopes of helping someone who undoubtedly needs it. Time will tell if that does indeed help this person, but I for one am glad there were also some penal consequences for what she did.
@Edie – it was a strange situation all-around! Her business was both a rescue and boarding kennel. The man who’d left his dog with her, had been to her business at least several times prior for grooming services. Apparently, things were not really as they seemed, until eventually it was the mess it was found in.
Don’t even get me started on this case. I think her sentence should have been longer, but I am glad she is being punished.
While I know hoarding is a mental illness, I still think she should be punished. Unfortunately, many hoarders refer to themselves as rescuers (and some even have licenses). They hide behind the word rescuer and give legitimate rescuers a bad name.
@Mr. Pip – You are SO right! It’s a source of extreme frustration for legitimate rescues, having this right in their backyard and not being able to do much about it. Legally, it’s been a nightmare in attempts to shut down these types of “rescues” and to spare the animals the agony they’re subjected to.
I appreciated that this judge pointed out that others with similar circumstances don’t behave this way. It’s an important distinction. There should be punishment for crimes, at least as much as there should be provisions for help with mental health.
God, I hope that Child Services took her kid away, too. Who lets their kid sleep in close proximity of dead animals? Gross
@Karen Friesecke – this whole thing was just beyond imagination. No sign of them taking her son away, though; guess they’re hoping counseling will remedy it all.