Sheriff Officers Discover 91 Animals in Bull Valley Home; Owner Found in Park Ridge

What started out as a well-being check at a Bull Valley home turned into a rescue mission of 91 animals left without food or water, according to McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren.

At about 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sheriff deputies were called to a home at 8617 Bull Run Trail, located southeast of Mason Hill and South Country Club Road east of Woodstock.

The incoming report stated the homeowner, 54-year-old Virginia E. Dinucci, had not been seen for several weeks and a strong odor was emitting from the home, Nygren said in a press release. 

Due to the appearance and odor, deputies entered the house to check on Dinucci. Officers weren't able to locate her, or anyone else.

However, deputies found several animals and feces scattered on the floor throughout the residence. There were no visible signs of food or water made available for these animals, Nygren said.

McHenry County Animal Control was contacted for assistance, and a search warrant was obtained to collect and care for the animals.

In the end, a total of 91 animals were found: 19 dogs, 11 cats, 3 rabbits, 55 birds and a deceased dog, cat, and bird.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Bureau immediately began looking for Dinucci, and was concerned for her safety, Nygren said. With assistance from the Park Ridge Police Department, deputies today contacted Dinucci at an apartment in the 1700 block of Pavilion Way, in Park Ridge.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted in the investigation by the McHenry County Animal Control and the Park Ridge Police Department.

Further inquires about the animals and their well being should be forwarded to Animal Control. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.

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