Sheriff's Officers Remove Animals From Local Shelter

Cook County Sheriff's officers along with members of the Animal Welfare League of Chicago Ridge removed animals Friday afternoon from Painted Pastures Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in unincorporated Tinley Park.

According to a report on NBC Chicago's website, more than 100 animals were taken from the sanctuary, including more than 65 dogs. Dead animals also were found on the property, according to the report, which cited a source close to the investigation.

A woman a Patch photographer identified as Dawn Hamill, director of operations at Painted Pastures, was seen being taken into custody by officers.

Sheriff's office spokeswoman Liane Jackson said no information would be available about the case until charges were filed. A spokeswoman from the Animal Welfare League also would not release any information about the removal at this time.

A call to Painted Pastures was answered by an unidentified man who said a statement would be made "approximately one year from now" and then hung up.

Painted Pastures, 5555 W. 175th St., is a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary. 

"As a no kill shelter and sanctuary, our mission is to rescue and offer care and rehabilitation for neglected , abandoned, or unwanted companion, farm, and exotic animals," reads a statement on its website.

Postings on Pleasant Pastures Facebook page related information about a disgruntled employee who was spreading rumors that the sanctuary was bankrupt and closing. The posting, which is reprinted as it appears on the Facebook page, went on to blame the employee for possible overcrowding issues.

"WE R TRYING TO PLACE MANY OF OUR DOGS DUE TO THIS EMPLOYEE TAKING IN MORE DOGS THAN WE CAN HANDLE AT THIS TIME....THE DOGS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND HAVE HAD MEDICAL TREATMENT...BUT I AS THE DIRECTOR DO NOT BELIEVE WE CAN GIVE PROPER ATTENTION TO THIS NUMBER OF ANIMALS."