Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Illinois: 80-100 cats seized from Orion home, Patricia Hardi, 62, charged

ILLINOIS -- Henry Co. Sheriff’s Office investigators and animal control officers were at a home in Orion, Illinois on Wednesday, where they seized 80-100 cats in an apparent animal hoarding investigation.

The cats taken from the house are being cared for and rehabilitated by staff at Orion Veterinary Clinic.

 
 
 

Dr. Becky Polage says many of the cats are in poor condition and had been living in terrible conditions inside the house near 1st St. and 10th Avenue.

Investigators began their operation Wednesday morning. Animal control officers were still on scene at 1:30 p.m.

KWQC spoke with the cats’ owner who had no comment regarding the investigation. Investigators also had no comment.

 


Orion Mayor Jim Cooper says the city has known of the situation for years now and says the owner must be brought into compliance with city code. He had no other comment.

Um, OK. So they've known for YEARS that she's abusing (and possibly killing) animals and they did... what? NOTHING??

Once the cats are in good health, Dr. Polage says they will be fostered out to new homes.

 
 

The clinic is asking for food and cat litter donations.

UPDATE: Charges have been filed against Patty Hardy (aka Patricia A. Hardi, Patricia Hardi) of Orion, Ill. Hardy’s first appearance in court will be May 9, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Henry County Courthouse.

According to the State’s Attorney, charges won’t be released until after her first appearance.

(KWQC - April 27, 2016)