The trial of a Tinley Park animal shelter owner accused of neglecting more than 100 animals began Monday morning in a Markham courthouse.
Dawn Hamill, 41, was charged with eight counts of neglect of owner’s duties and two counts of cruel treatment of animals back in February 2012 after authorities found a miniature horse and Himalayan cat dead along with several other sick and malnourished animals.
According to reports, Hamill’s three-acre facility, Dazzle’s Painted Pastures, took in more animals than it could handle. Hamill said she “did nothing wrong” and called the case “a huge misunderstanding.”
Officers seized 63 dogs, 31 cats, 30 horses, ponies and sheep, and six rabbits.
