Kane Co. Woman Gives Up Last of Animals; Animal Neglect Case Moves Forward

A 34-year-old Kane County woman accused in a animal neglect case volunteered Monday to give up ownership of two goats, which was the last of her nearly 100 animals that were discovered and removed from her properties in Maple Park and Hampshire last month, according to the Daily Herald.

After agreeing to give up the last of her animals, a Kane County judge closed a forfeiture case against Stacy Fiebelkorn of Elgin, according to the Daily Herald. She is expected back in court on Thursday where the criminal case will continue.

Fiebelkorn agreed to give up all her chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkey and all but two goats, assorted horses, donkeys and other animals during earlier hearings, according to the Kane County Chronicle. Around 84 animals were moved from a Hampshire farm where they "lived as part of the Mini Zoo Crew Petting Zoo" in the days following Fiebelkorn's arrest, according to the Daily Herald.  

Criminal allegations were brought against Fiebelkorn after authorities discovered a dead pony, donkey, chickens and several other animals on Fiebelkorn's farm properties in Maple Park and Hampshire.

Fiebelkorn was taken into custody following a joint investigation by the Kane County Animal Control and Kane County Sheriff's Office and is charged with a one count violation of owners duties to provide adequate food, shelter and water and vet care to prevent suffering and one count of cruelty to animals. 

The Kane County Animal Control began an investigation after receiving a report of a dead horse on a farm on Beith Road near Maple Park in rural Kane County. Upon searching the property, a dead horse and equine fetus were discovered, according to a Kane County Sheriff Office press release. 

Police said Animal Control staff learned the owner of the dead animals, Fiebelkorn, also had animals at a farm at 44W222 Route 20 near Hampshire. 

Authorities found 96 total animals on the Hampshire property and several dead animals. Among the dead animals was a donkey, goat, two mini-horses and four chickens, according to the news release. 

Several of the live animals were ill and authorities reported the animals did not have adequate food and all of the water for the animals was frozen, according to the news release. 

Animal Control then received permission from the State of Illinois to impound the animals to begin to provide care for them.  The owner of the property, who was not the owner of the animals, granted permission for the animals to remain on the property at that time, according to the news release. 

Animal Control coordinated a delivery of fresh hay, purchased food for the chickens and rabbits and heaters for the water bowls for the animals.  Animal Control also coordinated several vet visits on property to care for the ill animals.