(Decatur, IL) — Beth Hughes a longtime animal advocate in the area has been cited for animal cruelty, according to court records. Hughes has directed the CareVan pet program, which provided spay and neutering services to families that could not afford them. The website for CareVan was offline as of Monday.
Decatur authorities on Thursday filed animal an animal cruelty complaint against Hughes in Macon County court. Hughes had 25 cats and seven dogs in her home on East Johns Avenue as of May 19, according to the complaint. Authorities that responded to the household reported finding all the animals in extremely unsanitary conditions with some having no access to food and water.
Authorities confiscated the animals for their wellbeing, and four days later, the animals’ owner agreed to surrender custody of them. Hughes could face a fine of between $150 and $500. She is due in court June 27.