Police Find 76 Dogs Living in ‘Deplorable’ Conditions During Gun Search at Illinois Home

What began as a search for firearms at an Illinois home turned into a major animal rescue operation after police discovered 76 dogs living in what authorities described as deplorable conditions.

Officers with the Lemont Police Department carried out a search warrant on October 22 at a property on McCarthy Road in Lemont, a suburb southwest of Chicago. The warrant was connected to a firearms restraining order issued by a Cook County judge.

During the search, officers found dozens of dogs living inside the house and garage. Three firearms were also recovered, according to police.

Authorities called in Cook County Animal Control, the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Animal Cruelty Unit, the Lemont Fire Protection District and several other agencies to help remove the animals. The dogs were transported to local shelters and rescue organizations.

Kim Arias, founder of Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue, described the conditions inside the property as extremely unsanitary. Photographs shared with NBC Chicago showed dirt covering floors and walls, debris scattered throughout the home and plastic containers apparently being used as makeshift dog beds.

Arias said she had initially expected to find around 20 or 30 dogs, but the animals were spread throughout the property, including the garage, yard and bushes.

Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty organization took in 33 of the rescued dogs, including puppies as young as eight weeks old. The shelter said many were undersocialized and would need individualized attention as they adjusted to new surroundings.

The rescue effort also highlighted the significant work ahead for animal welfare organizations. The dogs require evaluations, care and rehabilitation before they can be considered ready for adoption.

The homeowner, 58-year-old Andrew Malak, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and felony weapons offenses, police said. He was later released from custody.

Malak has disputed the allegations, saying the dogs belonged to his nonprofit organization and were being cared for. His case is scheduled to return to court on November 5.

The investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing, and the charges against Malak have not been proven in court.

Source:  PEOPLE