(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Felony animal cruelty charges have been filed against three people, including a Wheeling woman, for their alleged treatment of several dogs that were found dead or malnourished on a boat anchored in the Illinois River in Peoria in July.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos called the case “complicated” and acknowledged the time it took to bring charges. She said more charges are expected.
Those charged with aggravated animal cruelty were identified as: Amanda O’Neill, 23, of Wheeling; Kourtney Recaldini, 19, of Pennsylvania; and 22-year-old Jacob Bees, whose hometown was unknown.
Prosecutors said the three had been living on the boat with another man. They were not present, though, when police officers noticed a foul smell and found seven dogs in crates.
One of the dogs was dead. Six others were emaciated. Officials said there was food on board but added that it wasn’t accessible to the animals.
A note found by police officers said the dogs were “very well cared for.”
Police later tracked down the boat owner, Robert Recaldini. So far, he has not been charged with animal cruelty.
Recaldini, though, was accused of fighting with police — who had returned to the boat after learning there was another dog on board. He was charged with aggravated battery.
The 34-foot boat broke down sometime in June.
Related
Related
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram