49 Dogs Confiscated from a “breeding shed” on property just outside of Chicago--UPDATE--breeder charged, dogs up for adoption!
UPDATE: April 14--Breeder charged with 14 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect. Due in court May 2.
Click here for the full story. The dogs from the case, including Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkies, will be available for adoption soon. Visit
PAWS of Tinley Park's website for more information.
UPDATE: April 1--The breeder in this case, whose name has not been released, was granted a state-issued kennel license, despite the pending cruelty case. Is that an April Fool's joke?
Click here for the full story.UPDATE: March 15--The Phoebee’s Puppies case is moved to Will County, IL. To read the update in the news,
click here.
Peotone, Illinois, is approximately 40 miles from downtown Chicago and prides itself for “having friendly people, good schools and being home to one of the last remaining mills in the country.” Windmills, that is.
Turns out, this isn’t the only kind of mill you’ll find in this friendly community.
On February 20th, someone left an anonymous tip on
South Suburban Humane Society 24-hour hot line. Executive Director, Emily Gruszka, said the call first came in from a concerned individual suspecting a dog-fighting ring.
She immediately turned information over to the Cook County investigators, and in a week long investigation, on March 1 the police were led to the property of Nikima Write, where they found a unheated shed reeking of urine an feces, where 49 some odd small breed dogs were stacked in cages 4 levels high.
Maltese, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Poodles, Pugs, and various mixes of the aforementioned, ranging from 3 months old to a few years were dehydrated, emaciated, some with open sores, and so badly matted they couldn’t move.
Nikima Write, 35, who didn’t have a breeding license, was arrested and could face up to 49 counts of animal cruelty. She told WLS channel 7 in Chicago that she sold the dogs for $600-$700 and delivered them to buyers, without ever having them come out to her property.
The good news is that all of the dogs were confiscated from the property and are now in the care of
P.A.W.S. (Peoples Animal Welfare Society) shelter in Tinley Park, where shelter staff say
It will be a while until the dogs are available for adoption as they must gain weight and be altered prior to adoption. Please be patient as it will take some time to get all 49 dogs healthy and able to find new homes. If you are interested in a dog please feel free to email us and we will keep you updated on their progress, along with their progress on our website. We will begin posting pictures of these dogs shortly.How You Can HelpVisit the P.A.W.S. website on more info on adopting, or helping out or email them at pawstinleypark@gmail.com
Do you have a tip? Tips like this one save lives so put apathy aside and speak out. We are the animal’s voice, and we can make a difference.
By Jennifer Krause: Best Friends NetworkPhoto: Princess (not involved in the criminal case) available for adoption from
P.A.W.S.