Watch CBS News

South Side Woman Accused Of Starving Pit Bulls To Death

(STMW) -- A Far South Side woman accused of running a dog-fighting ring in her home starved two puppy pit bulls to death before hiding them in a garbage, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.

Police discovered the grisly scene after being called to a domestic disturbance Friday about 3 p.m. at 11758 S. Morgan Street, authorities said.

Police noticed a foul smell and asked if Shantell Burnett had any animals.

She opened the closet door where police viewed two dead tan puppy pit bulls who were covered in urine and feces, prosecutors said. The animals appeared if they had no access to food, water or light, prosecutors said.

Burnett's sister, who had called police on her the day prior, told police more dogs were downstairs and they were being used for dog fighting.

Police found another dog covered in old garbage and feces, prosecutors said. Two more pit bulls were in a cage covered in feces, prosecutors said. Both were extremely skinny and one had bite marks on his face.

Burnett's sister told police her sister starved the puppies and threw them in the garbage, prosecutors said.

One puppy and three pit bulls were taken by Animal Care and Control.

Cook County Judge Peggy Chiampas on Saturday released Burnett on her own recognizance and ordered her to be placed on electronic monitoring while she awaits trial.

At the time of the arrest, Burnett was not legally allowed to live with her sister, who had lodged a domestic battery against her.

Burnett, 24, is charged with four felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2015. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.