Pit bull neglect, puppies living in squalor
Dolton, IL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Mar 21, 2008
County: Cook

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Valerie Alford

A Dolton woman was charged with four counts of cruel treatment of animals Friday morning after Cook County sheriff's police learned she had five pit bulls living in squalor in her home, authorities said.

Valerie Alford, 42, of the 15200 block of Hastings Drive, also was charged with failing to provide proper veterinary care for the dogs. Concerned neighbors alerted authorities about the situation, and sheriff's police searched Alford's home Friday.

They found four pit bull puppies living in one small cage in the basement, authorities said. The dogs were about eight weeks old, were soaked in urine and did not have any food or water. The fifth dog, believed to be the mother, never had any shots or veterinary care, they said.

The dogs were placed at a nearby shelter.

Alford, whose bail was set at $100, is due in court in Markham on April 21.

References

• Daily Southtown Star - March 21, 2008
• Chicago Tribune - March 21, 2008

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