Nearly 200 Dogs Rescued From Hoarding Situation In Rural Illinois

SHERRARD, IL — Nearly 200 collies were rescued over the weekend from a property in the tiny western Illinois town of Sherrard, according to WHBF, which reported the situation was among the largest known animal hoarding cases in state history.

Officers executed a warrant Friday at the home, where they found dogs who were underweight with matted coats in crowded, unsanitary conditions, according to WHBF, which identified the collies’ owner as Karen Plambeck.

Plambeck, 59, is charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty, a Class 4 felony, according to Mercer County court records. In 2019, she was charged after keeping a halter on a horse so long it became implanted in the animal’s face, WHBF reported.

The collies are in the care of the Mercer County Animal Control Center and are being seen by veterinarians, according to WHBF, which reported the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is accepting dog food donations. FurEver Friends of Mercer County is taking monetary donations to help pay for the dogs’ care. For information about donating, go to https://bit.ly/3K09B5z.

New Beginnings Pet Rescue of the Quad Cities is seeking foster homes for the collies.

“Keep in mind these are full grown dogs that have lived outside in horrible conditions, they are not crate trained or potty trained so don’t let your emotions get ahead of you when thinking about fostering one of the collies,” the rescue said in a Facebook post. “You will need a lot of patience. They will need time and love.”

To apply to be a foster, visit https://bit.ly/3CdHduJ.