PEORIA, Ill. – Three people listed in court documents as homeless have been charged in connection with animals found abandoned on a boat along the Illinois River back in July.
A Peoria County grand jury Tuesday indicted Amanda O’Neill, 23, Kourtney Recaldini, 19, and Jacob Pees, 22, all on one count each of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
O’Neill allegedly didn’t provide enough food or water to a dog named “Beethoven” causing its death. Pees and Recaldini did the same to a dog named “Hulk.” Several of the dogs found on the boat July 5 were still alive, but emaciated.
O’Neill pleaded not guilty Wednesday and is scheduled for a trial as soon as December 18th. She remains in jail. Warrants have been issued for Pees and Recaldini.
