Diane Eldrup, 48, is serving an 18-month jail sentence that allows her to leave the lockup to work and attend counseling.
She was convicted in September of animal torture and aggravated cruelty to animals for allowing 30 dogs, three birds and an opossum die of starvation at the Muddy Paws Dog Rescue she owned in Deer Park.
Eldrup testified at the trial that she had become overwhelmed by her collapsing marriage and financial problems and had "shut down emotionally" as she watched the animals starve.
Assistant State's Attorney Michael Mermel said at a court hearing Thursday he believed "the sensitive nature of the defendant's employment providing home health care for an elderly couple," was not proper for a person with Eldrup's mental health history.
He quoted from a psychological evaluation done on Eldrup prior to her sentencing hearing that states she has numerous psychological issues in need of treatment.
Defense attorney John Cornyn blasted what he called "the lack of any investigation" of these claims and said his client is not engaged in providing health care for anyone.
He called the Des Plaines woman who employs Eldrup, and that woman testified she has known Eldrup for three years and was familiar with the history of the criminal case against her.
The woman said while her husband does suffer from dementia, he is able to care for himself and does not require care from anyone outside their household.
She said Eldrup was hired in September to help her clean a portion of her house and assist her in sorting out the belongings of her recently-deceased mother. Eldrup works there five days a week.
The woman said Eldrup is sometimes alone in the house with her husband when she goes out to the store. The woman said she always returns to the house quickly.
Curnyn acknowledged his client's history of psychological issues, but said she is currently in therapy.
Circuit Judge James Booras said he would allow Eldrup to continue working at the house, but told the probation department he wants a report done detailing her responsibilities.
He ordered the report to be prepared in advance of Eldrup's next court appearance on Dec. 12.
(Daily Herald - Dec 1, 2011)
Earlier:
- Illinois: 18 dead dogs found at Deer Park rescue called Muddy Paws; owner Diane Eldrup arrested
- Illinois: Most of the 17 dead dogs found at Muddy Paws Dog Rescue were found inside living area of house, says attorney
- Illinois: Diane Eldrup, owner of Muddy Paws Dog Rescue, faces 32 counts of animal cruelty
- Illinois: Investigators searching for more dead animals at Diane Eldrup's Muddy Paws Dog Rescue facility
- Illinois: What Diane Eldrup's husband Kurt Eldrup saw inside Muddy Paws Dog Rescue concentration camp
- Illinois: Editorial "Many failures led to animals being abused and killed at Diane Eldrup's Muddy Paws Dog Rescue"
- Illinois: Diane Eldrup and Muddy Paws Dog Rescue mess dates back to 2009
- Illinois: Diane Eldrup, 48, denies newest charges in animal abuse case
- Illinois: Veterinarian Dr. Debra Rykoff and John Breseman who run Fur Keeps Animal Rescue posted Diane Eldrup's $25,000 bond - now they're complaining that people are mad at them
- Illinois: Muddy Paws Dog Rescue, where animals suffered and died at the hands of Diane Eldrup, 43, has been demolished
- Illinois: Animal abuse trial for Diane Eldrup, 48, owner of Muddy Paws Dog Rescue, scheduled to start next week
- Illinois: Prosecutor says Diane Eldrup, owner of Muddy Paws Dog Rescue, lied
- Illinois: Muddy Paws Dog Rescue owner Diane Eldrup, 48, found guilty by jury
- Illinois: Muddy Paws Dog Rescue owner Diane Eldrup gets 30 months for animal cruelty
- Illinois: Muddy Paws Dog Rescue owner Diane Eldrup gets a whole year taken off her jail sentence
