Hoarding - 66 animals seized Highland, IN (US) Incident Date: Friday, Jul 20, 2001 County: Lake Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Celeste Siurek

Case ID: 1406 Classification: Hoarding, Neglect / Abandonment Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull), bird (pet), reptile, rodent/small mammal (pet), marine animal (pet), rabbit (pet) View more cases in IN (US) Login to Watch this Case

Siurek was issued a citation for cruelty and ill treatment of animals after the Highland Animal Warden, Dave Hilburn and Police Detective Ralph Potesta visisted the home at 3651 43rd St. at the request of neighbors who complained about health code violations at the property.

This wasn't the first time authorities had cited Siurek for the living conditions of her home, her home was sealed in 1997 for a similar situation.  She was able to retrieve her animals after only a few weeks in that incident.

66 animals were taken from the home.  2 dogs reportedly adopted from the Humane Society Calumet Area have been returned to the custody of the Humane Society in Munster.  The remainder of the animals will wait at the county facility untila decision is made about their fate.  Siurek was given 30 days then 10 more days to clean the home.

Siurek was voluntarily taken by ambulance to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago for an examination.  Authorities were concerned about Siurek's health because of the air quality in the home.

14 dogs, 14 cats, and 21 birds were removed along with rabbits, reptiles, turtles, a chinchilla and a scorpion.  In one cage, animal control found a cat that was eating her 4 dead kittens.  A dog that had been confined to a too small cage because it wasn't getting along with the other dogs appeared thin and its ribs were visble.

11 neighbors had gone to the Highland Town Council to try and get some action on cleaning up the place.

Neighborhood Map

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Northwest Indiana News

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