DIXON, Ill., Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A 65-year-old Illinois woman is facing animal cruelty charges after 200 dead pets and 300 live animals were allegedly found in her home.
Before her Oct. 12 arrest, Barbara Munroe's friends had no clue she allegedly was living in a house filled with rotting animal carcasses and piles of feces, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday.
"She hid everything from everybody," said Ginny Alberinia, a friend of Munroe. "She guarded that house like you wouldn't believe."
Police garnered a search warrant for Munroe's Lee County home after noticing general disarray around the house during a visit from health department officials.
Following Munroe's arrest, local authorities seized 160 cats, 105 dogs and 35 birds and are now attempting to garner funds for their care. To that end, county prosecutors will be in court this week to seek between $30,000 and $100,000 from Munroe for the continuing care of her living pets.
The Tribune said if Munroe does not pay the costs, her pets will be put up for adoption.
