Spring Grove residents Sal Messina, 40, and Patricia Messina, 43, were arrest Dept. 28 on numerous violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act.
The day before charges were filed members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau, Patrol Intelligence Unit, Apprehension Unit and Spring Grove Police Department served a search warrant on the residence located at 7206 S. Solon Road, Spring Grove.
The search warrant was issued pursuant to a joint investigation into animal cruelty after McHenry County Animal Control Officers found a large number of Great Danes inside the residence were not being cared for properly.
During the service of the search warrant, personnel were required to wear protective suits, glasses, masks and gloves due to the large amount of animal excrement located throughout the residence.
Nine canines that were relinquished previously tested positive for Giardia, which is a parasite that can be passed to humans.
17 Great Danes removed from house
Seventeen Great Danes were removed from the residence by McHenry County Animal Control Personnel and several of the canines are currently undergoing testing and treatment for Giardia and malnutrition.
Sal and Patricia Messina were arrested at the scene on outstanding DuPage County arrest warrants and additional charges were filed.
Investigation will be continued by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau and McHenry County Animal Control and additional charges are expected.
Charges include: 17 counts of Owner’s Duties–Class B Misdemeanor. Bond was set at $1,500 and a court date has been scheduled for Oct. 16.