20 Neglected Dogs Found In Thornton Township Now In Foster Care

THORNTON TOWNSHIP, IL — The 20 dogs that were found malnourished and neglected in Thornton Township last month are now in foster care, getting ready for adoption, according to the not-for-profit organization Players for Pits.

Twenty dogs were rescued by the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department on Sept. 21 at 15000 Hastings Drive in unincorporated Thornton Township. All were found to be malnourished and neglected. Officers went to the backyard of the residence and found dogs in cages, emaciated. Animal control found one dog dead in its cage, according to the police.

Since the discovery, all 20 dogs have been spread out to foster care families around Illinois, according to Players for Pits. The organization said all the dogs are doing much better and are learning to move forward.

"We had 17 foster care homes step up to take care of the dogs," Players for Pits founder, Stephanie Paluch said. "All the dogs need training and socialization practice. We want to get them ready for adoption soon and some of them might be read to be adopted by the beginning of November."

Paluch said some dogs are energetic and social, while others are more reserved and scared of interaction. The founder believes this is due to the neglect they received before they were rescued.

"Some of these dogs came to us with holes in their legs and parasites on them that we've never even heard before," Paluch said. "Some dogs won't be ready to adopt until after Christmas because of their fear of social interaction... they're too shy and are afraid to be living."

The dogs were found after officers on the scene heard barking inside the garage of the residence. At the time, the homeowner was not home and a search warrant was granted. Officers were able to rescue all 20 dogs and send them to the Chicago Animal Control and Care facility, 2741 S Western Ave., in Chicago.

Paluch said this experience is unfortunate but happens often.

"This happens way too much. It happens to pit bulls too often too," Paluch said. "We are humbled by the support the dogs have been receiving and are grateful that now people will care and report activity like this."