Target: Thomas A. Haine, State’s Attorney, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Edwardsville, Illinois
Goal: Pursue severe penalties if prosecutors prove that dogs were criminally deprived of food, water, sanitary shelter, and basic care while animals died around them.
Eighteen dogs were reportedly rescued from closed kennels and crates inside a residence where authorities also documented deceased animals. Police said the surviving dogs exhibited varying stages of dehydration, starvation, and neglect. Personnel reportedly needed respirators and protective equipment to enter the hazardous property.
Prosecutors allege that Melanie G. Norem, Hannah L. Perry, and Donna J. Perry failed to provide multiple animals with adequate drinking water, clean food, sanitary living space, and appropriate grooming. Charging documents describe eight surviving animals as having been subjected to cruelty, while the deaths of eight animals form the basis of aggravated cruelty charges. One deceased animal was reportedly discovered inside a trash bag in a kennel with a living dog. Each defendant faces eight felony aggravated cruelty counts and eight misdemeanor cruelty counts.
If prosecutors establish that the defendants criminally caused or permitted the animals’ suffering, the penalties should reflect the number of animals affected, the deaths involved, and the severity of the proven conduct.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State’s Attorney Haine,
Eighteen dogs were rescued from closed kennels and crates while suffering varying degrees of dehydration, starvation, and neglect, according to police. Authorities also reportedly documented deceased animals at the property. Charging documents state that one dead animal was discovered inside a trash bag in a kennel alongside a living dog. Melanie Norem, Hannah Perry, and Donna Perry face multiple felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges related to the case.
If prosecutors prove that any defendant criminally subjected these animals to cruelty or neglect, please seek serious penalties proportionate to the suffering and deaths established in court. Animals allegedly deprived of food, water, sanitation, and basic care had no means of escaping their circumstances. Those found alive deserve protection, and those who died deserve accountability if criminal responsibility is proven.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: DoD News
