A woman was arrested and charged after nearly 200 neglected dogs were found on property in Mercer County, Illinois. According to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Karen A. Plambeck was arrested on Friday; she is charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Investigators found a total of 198 dogs on Plambeck’s property – it is one of the largest hoarding cases ever seen in Illinois. The conditions on the property were described as “unsanitary, and crowded.” Dogs in Plambeck’s care were suffering from a slew of maladies, from matted, fecal-covered fur, to malnourishment and maggot infestation. One of the dogs perished because of the horrible neglect.
Plambeck has faced animal cruelty charges before. In October 2019 she was charged with multiple counts of cruel treatment of animals, and unlawful, inhumane care of animals. After pleading guilty and receiving reduced charges thanks to a plea deal, many of the charges were completely dismissed.
The dogs seized in this raid are in the care of the local animal control agency; multiple licensed rescue groups and volunteers are assisting with the care and placement of the dogs.
Donations
Monetary donations can be mailed to: Mercer County Animal Control, P.O. Box 188, Aledo, IL 61231.
Dog food donations can be left at the lobby of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, 906 SW 3rd St., Aledo.
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