Illinois: Review still underway in horse neglect case

ILLINOIS -- The McLean County state’s attorney’s office still is considering charges against the owners of five horses that were found last month in need of care near LeRoy.

Sheriff's deputies were called June 25 to a home north of LeRoy following a tip from a concerned citizen. McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said officers found five horses on the property.

“They appeared to be malnourished and one had open sores,” Sandage said at the time.

One had to be euthanized. The remaining four horses were taken to McLean County Animal Control, but no charges have yet been filed against the owners.

“We are still waiting on veterinary records and a report from McLean County Animal Control, but the case is still under investigation,” said Mary Koll, a prosecutor with the McLean County state attorney’s office. “It’s kind of on a slow track, but we are certainly taking a very close look at it.”

The horses are recovering, said Marshell Thomson, director of the McLean County Animal Control.

“They are doing fine and are receiving a lot of care,” Marshell Thomson said. “We are very happy with their progress.”

(Pantagraph - July 15, 2016)