Huntley residents arrested for multiple animal cruelty charges after abandoning 54 dogs at a dog park

HUNTLEY — In a Sept. 9 press release, the Huntley Police Department and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of Concepcion Rodriguez, 61, and Bruce Walla, 54, both of whom resided at 10600 Wheatlands Way. After months of investigative efforts, authorities were able to file multiple animal cruelty charges against Rodriguez and Walla.

According to Huntley Police Chief Linda Hooten, on July 15, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Boone County Animal Control Services responded to the Hammertime Unleashed Dog Park in Belvidere for the report of several dogs that had been abandoned there.

Boone County Animal Services captured 54 Maltese mixed-breed dogs. All the dogs were later turned over to multiple rescue organizations for treatment and to assist with fostering the dogs. During the investigation, Rodriguez and Walla were identified as suspects.

At that time, the Huntley Police Department and McHenry County Animal Control joined the investigation.

On July 25, McHenry County Animal Control and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office were able to obtain search warrants for the Wheatlands Way home. The search was executed by members of the Huntley Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, McHenry County Animal Control, and Boone County Animal Services.

The results of that search indicated probable cause had been established for the offense of “Cruelty to Animals” at the residence on Wheatlands Way. In addition, there was also probable cause for violations of the McHenry County Public Health Ordinance, which caused officials to deem the house uninhabitable.

The search warrants also resulted in the recovery of more animals that were turned over to McHenry County Animal Control, where they are receiving the medical care, they need.

On Sept. 6, the Huntley Police Department charged Rodriguez and Walla each with 19 counts of “Cruelty to Animals,” (Class A misdemeanors) and 19 counts of “Violation of Owner’s Duties,” (Class B misdemeanors). They were booked and released from the Huntley Police Department with a McHenry County court date.

Additionally, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office charged Rodriguez with 54 counts of “Cruelty to Animals,” (Class A misdemeanors). She was detained at the Boone County jail pending a Boone County detention hearing that took place on Sept. 9.

Anyone who has any more information on the case is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at 815-544-2144 or the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-5311.