Pet store investigation into 41 dead animals continues

Jessica Spangler, owner of Macomb Pet Land, Macomb, IL, faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals after the Macomb Police Department found 41 deceased animals inside her store and removed 56 neglected animals from the site.

Macomb Police Chief Curt Barker said during a media briefing Tuesday morning that a concerned citizen called in early Saturday afternoon to report that Macomb Pet Land appeared to be closed down, but there animals were inside and a strong odor was coming from the business.

Barker said when officers responded, they found signs on the door saying “Closed for Maintenance” and “Animals are fed & watered daily!!”. He said officers noticed that the power to the building was off and animals were loose inside.

Police issued a warrant on Sunday for the owner, Jessica Spangler. She was arrested by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and then transported to McDonough County Jail where she was later released on bond. Barker said Spangler was interviewed by investigators and that she said, “she had coordinated another individual to care for the animals and she was not aware that they were not being cared for,” Barker said.

http://tspr.org/post/owner-macomb-pet-land-charged-aggravated-cruelty-animals