JOLIET, Ill. (STNG) -- A woman caught running a puppy mill at her Peotone home recently pleaded guilty to abusing animals.
Will County Judge Brian Barrett sentenced Nikima Wright to 12 months of probation Sept. 9. He also ordered a psychological evaluation and told Wright she must pay $1,127 in fines and court costs.
Wright, 36, of the 10000 block of W. Offner Rd. in Peotone, was arrested by Will County police in March 2008 and charged with 14 counts of violating the duties of an animal owner.
Acting on a tip, a Cook County office discovered 49 small dogs housed in tiny, stacked crates and cages in her home.
The animals were hungry, thirsty, dirty and needed veterinary treatment.
Wright gave police permission to take the dogs to a shelter, but later filed a lawsuit to get them back, claiming that the animals were worth $21,300. A judge denied her request, and PAWS, a Tinley Park-based animal shelter, found them new homes.
After Wright pleaded guilty to seven counts of abusing the duties of an animal owner, the judge said she couldn't have any pets other than her two original dogs, according to court documents.
Wright cannot breed those dogs, must have them spayed and is required to submit proof every six months that they have received proper veterinary care, according to court documents.
Meanwhile, Wright has other legal problems. On July 30, lawyers representing American Express, filed a lawsuit alleging Wright hadn't paid her $20,797.42 bill.
The company is also seeking interest, attorney and court fees.
Wright is scheduled to return to court at 9 a.m. March 10 for a status on the payment of her fines and fees in the puppy mill case.
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