Woman Faces Animal Cruelty Charges After 30 Dogs Rescued

Dogs suffered varying degrees of dehydration and malnutrition, police said

A North Chicago woman has been charged after 30 dogs were found dehydrated and malnourished in her one-bedroom home.

The 42-year-old woman, Yesdil Del Socorro Garcia-Hurtado, faces nine counts of animal cruelty and one count of animal hoarding, police said. She is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 7.

Police Animal Control said the apartment where the dogs were found was "covered with animal waste and extreme insect infestation." Most of the dogs had suffered varying degrees of dehydration and malnutrition, and two dogs needed emergency medical care, animal warden Dana Duestch said. Two other dogs were noticeably pregnant.

The owner relinquished the dogs to police last Friday.

Since the story aired on Monday, Duestch said 400 people volunteered to help care for the dogs until they find homes. Donations generated two skids of food, cleaning supplies, bedding and shelter resources.

"They are doing so much better and socializing," Duestch said. "By Friday they will all be with the shelters and being fostered."

A makeshift kennel has been created in the meantime at the police department.

Anyone interested in helping with the dogs on a volunteer basis is asked to call 847-596-8774 and leave a contact number.

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