4 cats, 2 puppies - neglected, infested with mange - Monmouth, IL

Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007

County: Warren

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged:
» James Barron
» Mandy Barron

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Two, small and frail 10-week-old puppies that were severely malnourished and suffering from mange were found on Feb 14. The puppies were removed from the residence.

Mange is an unsightly and painful condition caused by burrowing mange mites. Mange is contagious and is spread by contact from infested to non-infested animals. Mange can occur in man, dogs, cats, horses, sheep, cattle and other animals.

The puppies are brother and sister, named Hope and Chance, and have hope now that they are in the dedicated and caring hands of the Western Illinois Animal Rescue. They have an excellent chance of recovery thanks to the medical treatment they will receive from Western Illinois Animal Rescue officials.

The Western Illinois Animal Rescue needs some assistance from the community. Hope is in serious condition. It will take some time to treat Hope so that she can be a healthy and happy puppy. Chance is the healthier of the two and will also need medical treatment.

The agency needs donations to help offset the medical costs to heal the puppies.

The Western Illinois Animal Rescue is also hoping that once Hope and Chance are back on their feet, ready to play, that someone will adopt the puppies. They have already endured enough abuse and neglect. They will need a loving home.

For more information or to view more photos about this brother and sister you may call 309-299-3840 or log on to www.wiarrescue.com. �

Donations may be mailed to Western Illinois Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 145, Monmouth, Illinois 61462.

This case is a tough one for some officials. Abused dog cases are sad enough, but abused and neglected puppies is even more difficult for some to handle.

Case Updates

Two puppies and four cats were taken from a couple now facing animal cruelty charges in what Monmouth animal officials call the worst case of neglect they've seen in at least 10 years. One of the puppies has died, but the other is recovering. Monmouth animal control officer Robbin Sage said she received a call Wednesday from James Barron, owner of dogs named Hope and Chance. He was seeking a donation of food for the animals. After learning Hope was in poor health, Sage told Barron to take the dogs to Dr. Geoff Weech at the Monmouth Small Animal Hospital. Sage said hospital officials were shocked by the condition of the animals, including Hope, who was missing large sections of hair. "It was complete cruelty," said Sage, who also is president of Western Illinois Animal Rescue. "It was extremely obvious." Sage said the puppies appeared to be a Lab mix, but it was difficult to be more exact because of the condition of their bodies. Hope weighed about 5 pounds when she arrived but Sage said her 10-week-old body should have been closer to 12 pounds. Chance weighed about 12 pounds. "We think he got any food that they had," Sage said. The starving animals were suffering from malnutrition and mange. "When we gave them food the little things about took our hands off," Sage said. Hope died at the hospital Friday despite receiving plasma transfusions during the day Thursday. "She was an amazing little dog," Sage said. "I've never seen a dog be so skinny and still be alive. She tried her hardest to make it." Sage also seized four cats from inside the home. Another outdoor dog, which was fed, up to date on its shots and living in fair conditions was left there. Once the cats add a few pounds, rescue workers said they will be spayed and put up for adoption. Chance is expected to make a full recovery after several weeks of medications and then be put up for adoption. Barron and his wife, Mandy, were arrested Friday and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Both were released from jail after posting $100 cash bond each. Sage said when Barron called Wednesday, he said he could not take care of the puppies, and something appeared to be wrong with one of them. Sage said he did not indicate how sick the dogs were. "I'm not sure what went wrong here," Sage said. "We want people to see that we're not going to tolerate this in this area." Barron does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment Monday.

Source: Register Mail Online - February 20, 2007 Update posted on Feb 26, 2010 - 12:19PM

One of the dogs that was taken from a Monmouth residence Wednesday could not overcome the damage that was already done. Hope, a puppy who was neglected and abused, seriously ill from mange and being malnourished, died early Friday. Two Monmouth residents have been cited in connection to the alleged animal cruelty case. Hope's only surviving sibling, Chance, is undergoing treatment. Chance, who is 10 weeks old, also suffers from being malnourished and has mange. Mange is an unsightly and painful condition caused by burrowing mange mites. Mange is contagious and is spread by contact from infested to non-infested animals. Mange can occur in man, dogs, cats, horses, sheep, cattle and other animals. Even though Hope could not overcome the abuse and neglect, Chance has a decent shot of surviving. Officials from Western Illinois Animal Rescue will be in charge of Chance's care. The agency needs some help from the community. The agency needs donations to help offset the medical costs to heal the puppy. The Western Illinois Animal Rescue is also hoping that once Chance is back on his feet, ready to play, that someone will adopt the puppy. He has already endured enough abuse and neglect. He will need a loving home. For more information or to view more photos about this dog you may call 309-299-3840 or log on to www.wirrescue.com. Donations may be mailed to Western Illinois Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 145, Monmouth, Illinois 61462.

Source: Daily Review Atlas - Feb 16, 2007 Update posted on Feb 18, 2007 - 1:04PM

References

• Daily Review Atlas - Feb 15, 2007
• Register Mail Online - Feb 20, 2007

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