Picture this if you can. You have a basement in your home, and you have filled it with 150 dogs in cages. They live down there. When it’s not too cold out, you run fans to circulate the air, and when it’s warm enough you open the windows for some ventilation. It is January in Kankakee County, northeastern Illinois. Welcome to Adrien’s Puppy Paradise in St. Anne, Il.
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4/07 UPDATE: 80 Dogs Removed from Adrian’s Puppy Paradise
(2/08 and 2/15 UPDATES: please follow this link – ***Petition and Updated Post***)
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Care to breathe that air? Care to be one of the dogs condemned to living out their lives in those cages, in that basement? According to reports by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Kankakee County Animal Control, the cages sometimes have 2-4 dogs each. Lucky to have a cage to yourself? Probably not. Dogs were seen in cages no bigger than their own bodies. Regardless of the number of cage-mates, many are unable to move they’re so crowded. Some cages have a male and a female, apparently for breeding (a pair was seen mating during a county inspection visit).
Flooring in these cages is slatted plastic. The cages are elevated, with paper beneath to catch urine and feces. The dogs are provided with nothing more than a bowl of water and a self-feeder. No bed to lie on, nowhere to sit or stand, oftentimes no room to move, and certainly no toys to play with. The basement is conveniently arranged so that the dogs will survive – and mate when puppies are desired – without so much as an ounce of human interaction or time outside of those prison cells.
Adrian’s Puppy Paradise is known to sell their puppies via a website on the internet and at flea markets. The owner is Louise Gutierrez, the business apparently named after the man she needs to help bring puppies up from the basement – she cannot do it herself due to physical ailments. So if he’s not around, those dogs are doomed if there’s an emergency.
So far, the Dept. of Ag. hasn’t done anything. Kankakee County Animal Control issued recommendations after a February, 2014 visit – but those seem to have gone unheard. The county personnel did remove some of the dogs at that time, and leave the owner with an antibacterial salve for a dog they noticed had severe dermatitis on the bottom of his scrotum (probably from the cage flooring).
But the Illinois Department of Agriculture? The state department that rescue organizations are petrified of not dotting i’s and crossing t’s for – ? They seem to think everything is just fine at Adrian’s Puppy Paradise, and that the dogs are being well-cared for. A department inspector has visited Adrian’s dogs five times because of complaints filed – in 2014 alone.
We’ve heard the horror stories about federal inspectors and the gross negligence they have overlooked when inspecting USDA licensed “breeders”. Is the state of Illinois’ Department of Agriculture no better?
There is a particular detail of note in this situation, though. Remember Puppy Parlor in Lisle, IL? The pet store that was breeding their own puppies right there in the dank backroom? The Dept of Ag inspector who has repeatedly visited Adrian’s Puppy Paradise is none other than Joel Aschermann – the same inspector who said Puppy Parlor didn’t have any violations, and that the dogs were in good condition.
You can ask the volunteers of Almost Home Foundation what kind of condition those dogs were in. They’ll tell you all about the health woes, the physical ailments, and the behavioral issues caused from mental/emotional neglect the Puppy Parlor dogs suffered from. They’ll tell you all about just how much it cost the organization in vet bills, trainers, rehabilitation – and the priceless contributions of foster homes and volunteers it all took to enable those dogs to be adoptable. Right…”good condition”…
Final paragraphs in county assessment of Adrian’s Puppy Paradise (Click to enlarge)
Something must be done. We as a society cannot turn our heads away and ignore what our neighbors are doing (or in this case, neglecting to do) with the dogs in their care. 100 dogs plus however many puppies are currently on hand is hoarding. You cannot do “factory farming” in your basement with man’s best friend. It is cruel, inhumane, downright criminal.
TAKE ACTION
Want to help? For starters – “like” Companion Animals Protection Society’s Facebook Page, follow their progress at their website (and check it out – it’s chock-full of puppy mill info!), message if you live or work in or near St. Anne, IL and want to help…and spread the word! Share this post and CAPS website.
We need to speak out, be a thorn in someone’s side, and continue to file complaints, write letters, make phone calls (you can reach the Il Dept of Ag at 217/782-4944 ), and urge those in charge to change the regulations – and the definition of what constitutes “good condition” of a dog kept in prison-like captivity. Even criminals get time out of their cells.
A dog from Adrian’s Puppy Paradise
I can’t tell you how hard it’s been to write this post. I felt so horrible just looking at those photos. Even more so… CindyLu has been sleeping next to me – all comfy-cozy and content after a good meal, a longish walk (it’s really freezing out tonight!) and some quality snuggling time. Those dogs in their cages would probably give their right paws for just one hour like that…
*Photos obtained from Illinois Department of Agriculture inspection reports (marked with Joel Ashermann and date taken), and courtesy of CAPS private investigator. Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) will continue to investigate and monitor this situation.
This woman is sick and so his her husband.
She needs to be out of business asap, I live only a few miles from her and it makes me sick to my stomach every time I think about the time my son and I met her a few yrs ago reading a dog for my friend. but when we seen the inside of her house and how many dogs was in each cage, made my son n me cry. and we had to leave. couldn’t bear it. I honestly wanted to kill the woman and take all the dogs from her.
poor things are still there and she still breeding more and now transporting them at other places to sell.
she is misusing the government on assistance, probably paying off county and state, so know one will touch her. sick. just sick. SHE NEEDS TO BE STOPPED AND REPORTED EVERYDAY.
ANIMALS ARE GODS CREATURES TOO. they deserve love and proper care.
I’m so sorry, Barb, for what you and your son experienced. How horrible.
Animals do indeed deserve love and proper care. It’s hard to imagine how this couple has managed to stay in business, doing what they do, for so long. We must keep calling (the agencies, our governmental reps, anyone who might have authority), writing letters – whatever it takes to see this business stopped from what they’re doing!
I just e-mailed NBC to see if they can get some media attention to this. Hope they get back to me.
Thanks Diane
Let us know if you hear from them, Diane! (And thanks for taking action!)
Can we get a petition started to shut this woman down?
I WILL SIGN A PETITION IN A HEARTBEAT! I’ve rescued some Yorkies that came from a disgusting hell hole exactly like that in Missouri! Their hair was one big matted mess, they were covered in fleas, had roundworms and tapeworms, ear mites, ear infections, goopy eyes, runny noses, and horrible rotten, infected teeth covered in the thickest brown tarter I have ever seen! It was absolutely the worst thing I’ve ever seen! One’s mouth was so infected he could hardly eat and would constantly drool. I know he had to be in unbearable pain. He also had absolutely NO hair on his ears or tail and they felt like leather. The Vet said that was from being frostbitten! He also had a chunk missing from one ear lobe where the skin had rotted and died. They had numbers tattooed on the inside of their earlobes, like they were “branded!” One little female was so traumatized from being kept in a tiny cage like this that she would nervously pace around and around in a circle, continuously until you made her stop! They are breeding machines and are severely traumatized. These poor animals are nothing but numbers, “cash cows” to filthy scum like that! THESE PEOPLE NEED TO BE SHUT DOWN AND PREVENTED FROM EVER OWNING ANOTHER ANIMAL! Everyone who reads about this must keep calling (any and all agencies, legislators, law enforcement, and anyone else who might have authority), writing letters, signing petitions – whatever it takes to see this business shut down! If there is a Petition started, please notify me so I can sign and circulate it as well. I am going to start crusading against these monsters TODAY! <3
Not a good place for those animals.If you can’t do it right then it needs to be shut down sorry i care more about the animals then the people trying to make money.Find some thing you can do better or right for the animals.
I called the department of Agriculture months ago after a friend sent a message as to what was happening. They told me they would inspect but never called back. My friend also called the Humane society in Kankakee or animal control not sure and they told her they had passed inspection. I don’t know how? Whatever you need me to do I am in. This hell hole needs to be shut down. Thanks Diane
Shut this bitch down! I have heard so many complaints about sick and mistreated animals. What do we have to do find the ditch that the dead bodies are thrown in? This place is operating on lies and sick and mistreated animals. The pictures show it all what is the matter with animal control do they not care? Poor babies let them find their forever homes with loving families that will treat them with respect and love. SHUT IT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG I JUST DISCOVERED THEY HAVE A WEBSITE TO SELL THEIR PUPPIES TOO!!! They advertise Yorkie, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Poodle, and Chihuahua puppies! They also have a Twitter account @AdriansPuppy, but no followers and only 4 tweets. I found horrible complaints about this place dating back to 2010 and one person said they had been there 15 years! Mattresses over the windows, filth, stench, weak, sickly and diseased puppies that die a week after sale…HOW DOES A PLACE LIKE THIS STAY IN BUSINESS? I am literally sick to my stomach after looking at the puppies on their website, knowing where they really exist.
http://adrianspuppyparadise.com/home/2103173
Yes, Dory, their website is one of the avenues through which they sell their puppies. They’ve also utilized flea markets to a great extent. Thanks for that link on the reviews – gives an idea of just how horrible they are!
All those with authority to save theses dogs from torture are guilty. How would you like to suffer in theses circumstances. If you do nothing in this world to save these dogs I hope you get what you deserve in the next .
That’s deplorable. We are constantly fighting this outside of the Houston city limits…..but there are few rules and hardly ever enforced……
I believe it, Beth. That’s why federal laws – and a national campaign to raise awareness for potential buyers – seems to be the most productive course of action. If only…
Is an dog breeding operation business… and I use that term lightly… subject to county business and zoning ordinances? Is she within those ordinances? Just another avenue to try to shut her down. The unfortunate thing is that unless this woman is tried, convicted, and sentenced to prison time she will just move on to a new location if she is shut down in St. Anne. She has already done that when she was shut down in Watseka.
I new a girl who got a puppy from her. It was so sick after she brought it home that the vet could not save it. When she called the lady back and asked for her money for the puppy and the vet bill be paid she refused. The only thing she would do was give her a new puppy. She did accept that puppy but it was sick also. She did take it to the vet and he made it.
What is really sad is that as long as there are buyers and as long as there are agency officials willing to look the other way evil criminals like this will continue to profit from the suffering of the helpless.
That last sentence you said there – bingo!
Today I contacted PETA, Humane society and channel 9 (WGN). Tried to contact the Department or Agriculture again but keep getting voice mail. Please everyone we can shut this hell hole down with everyone’s support and help. Thanks diane
Get these people closed down. They are brutal to these furbabies. The filth & pain they have every single day.
Please someone who has the ability to do something SHUT THEM DOWN!!!!!!
Get these people closed down. They are brutal to these furbabies. The filth & pain they have every single day.
Please someone who has the ability to do something SHUT THEM DOWN!!!!!!
PETA responded to my e-mail. They need pictures if any of you have been there or maybe e-mail them as to the abuse you have seen including purchasing a puppy that was sick or died. This is a start and if PETA gets involved we can shut this HELL HOLE DOWN! Now is the time everyone PLEASE SHARE and e-mail. Sincerely Diane Swanstrom
Diane, please email me (you can reach me through the Contact link above) – thanks!
Hey CindyLu here is what I sent PETA in response to their e-mail if you need more info e-mail me.. Thanks diane
Thank You for your quick response. I have not been there personally but know of others who have been and they have photos. Some said it was so disgusting they wanted to throw-up after leaving and the people who did purchase puppies they ended up sick or died. This has been an issue for years. The department of Agriculture has been contacted by so many as well as Kankankee Animal Control and they still pass this inspection for some unknown reason. We have contacted everyone we can including the local news channels. This is a hell hole. I will copy and paste what pictures I have in hopes and prayers that you can help us, however not sure if we are sending it correctly. This is a small town but very bonded and many have been trying to help. If you do not get the pictures please let me know. Anything PETA can do would be so appreciated! Sincerely Diane Swanstrom
you all are going to be sick of me. I am sharing this until this HELL HOLE is SHUT DOWN. I hope you will too. xx di
Why hasn’t someone started one of those online petitions that seem to work like magic???? (I would do it, but I have no idea how.)
How can I help?
I’m ready for any kind of protest you want. Even in this weather if it saves the lives of those dogs. The Kankakee Humane Society is just down the street from this place. Is somebody getting paid off or something. Maybe both places should be picketed. Certainly someone isn’t doing their job. I live in the county so getting there is no problem for me.
I’m with you Larry anything we can do I am in.
Please sign the petition and share with Illinois residents. Thank you!
https://www.change.org/p/save-the-dogs-of-adrian-s-puppy-paradise-from-inhumane-conditions?recruiter=611238&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=des-lg-no_src-no_msg&fb_ref=Default
Everyone saying all these bad things but do u realize if u shut her down all that’s gonna happen is they going to the pound n be put into cages there as well n some or most of them be put to sleep so how is it ne different that is y she is passing inspection she dose do her best to make sure they r feed n have water n all and that’s all the pound would do to she dose have to many dogs but as long as they r OK that’s all that matters n yes some dogs r sick but she takes dogs from puppy mills n try her best to make them healthy
Well Candie, it is apparent you did not read all the information that was found at Adrian’s puppy hell hole. Lets start with a 2′ x 4′ mesh, wire cage housing multiple dogs that have no room to move freely without climbing over each other. They have no beds, no play area, no dog runs for exercise. They have no toys, no interaction with humans and no grooming. There nails are long, the fur is matted and they smell of waste matter, not to mention their teeth. They are forced to live in a basement with no natural light and horrible air quality with the constant smell of urine and fecal matter so bad you can smell it on the road outside.. They are forced to have litter after litter for ONE purpose only and that is for Louise & Adrian to make MONEY off this abuse. For every puppy they sell they stop another animal from being rescued. They contribute to the over population of unwanted dogs that end up in shelters. I disagree with you that the animals in this hell hole would end up worse. They are in WORSE. Trying to justify what might happen to them is not addressing the problem by letting this abuse continue and more puppies breed in horrible conditions. I will continue to do everything I can to see them shut down, the animals free to be adopted into loving homes and I AM NOT STOPPING.
Diane, I’m just heartbroken over the plight of these animals. How do we stop it? Is someone organizing something? The Humane Society is just down the street. Has anybody gone to them? The County? I’m up for a picketing campaign as soon the weather warms up a little. Something needs to be done soon.
Hey Larry, I know it is just heartbreaking. I am sure you signed Cindylusmuse petition. They have almost 2,000 signatures now to ask the Department of Agriculture and KKK animal control to investigate. I contacted the Human Society but they need pictures of the inside of the home within the last 90 days. Well, they do not let anyone in the home so that will be almost impossible. I think we are going to plan some kind of a picket group when it gets warmer outside otherwise don’t think we would have much luck with ice on the streets. Don’t want anyone to get hurt. The laws so need to be changed but I am not knowledgeable enough to take that on. These evil people are skating through under the radar. Makes me sick. As soon as I hear anything I will let you know. Thanks for caring. We need more people like you.
Please join us at the public Kankakee county meeting at 9:00AM on Wednesday. Please speak up for the abuse going on at Adrian’s Puppy Paradise. 189 E. Court Street, Kankakee, IL 60901. The Community Services Meeting. Thank you!
See you there. Thanks diane
Meeting update:
I believed we moved some steps in the right direction today regarding Adrian’s puppy (Hell). As much as an animal lover I am with signing petitions, sharing, donating, caring and most of the time heartbroken over what I see I am a small part of a much larger group. CAPS (Companion Animal protection Society, The Humane Foundation and Puppy Mill Project made me so PROUD to be a part of today’s meeting as well as KKK Animal Control. We need to keep sharing this petition as well as donate if you can even if it is just one dollar to the above groups mentioned. Laws need to be addressed and changed and it takes money to enforce the laws. I thank EVERYONE who has signed the petition and went above and beyond to get to this point. WE ARE THEIR VOICE AND I WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING ANIMAL ABUSE. Thank you so much. diane
Anyone have an update on the next meeting or where we stand right now with Adrian’s? We are all on a mission to shut them down. It’s getting warmer I’m up for the picket signs. Thanks Diane
Thanks Diane for your support! As soon as we have an update, we’ll let you know.
Thanks Ida I will let everyone know.
They were shut down and 80 dogs have been rescued! Finally…
I thank you all from my heart for making us aware cindylusmuse of Adrian’s puppy (hell). We shared, we donated, we signed petitions. Now I have another mission to see them playing, running, kisses and belly rubs and asking everyone to donate, rescue and share in their recovery, foster and find a furever wonderful family. You are awesome thanks again. I can’t stop crying. xx diane
I was so glad to hear this on the news tonight. We stopped there once to look at puppies and the woman wouldn’t let us in the house, She said she would have to catch one and bring it out. We waited over 20 minutes and finally left. We were creeped out from the conditions outside the house. I live in Indiana, but go to Kankakee shopping. Every time we went by that place we felt so bad for what it surely must be like for the dogs in there. Thank God for all the caring people that didn’t give up until something was done!