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Eviction In Harvey Uncovers Animal Cruelty: Sheriff

HARVEY, Ill. (STMW) -- A south suburban man has been charged with animal cruelty after eight dogs -- one of them dead -- were allegedly found inside his home during an eviction Thursday morning.

William Roberson, 37, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals, eight counts of misdemeanor violation of owner's duties and one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, according to a release from the Cook County Sheriff's office.

William Roberson, Accused Of Animal Neglect
William Roberson (Cook County Sheriff's Dept.)

Deputies enforcing a court-ordered eviction in the 50 block of West 151st Street in Harvey found seven pit bull type dogs and a Chihuahua, police said.

The Cook County Sheriff's Police Animal Crimes Unit arrived about 9:25 a.m. and found one dog dead in the basement, one that could not walk because of a leg injury and another in a crate outside the home, police said. The other dogs appeared to be in better condition.

There was no indication of dog fighting at the home, police said.

Roberson is scheduled to appear at the Markham Courthouse Friday for a bond hearing.

The South Suburban Humane Society took custody of the dogs and took them for veterinary treatment, police said. The body of the dead dog was also turned over to the Humane Society.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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