Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Vermilion County woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced for animal cruelty in a case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office.
Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Karen E. Wall sentenced Crystal Calbro, 44, of Danville, Illinois, to 12 months court supervision. Calbro is also prohibited from owning horses, rabbits and donkeys and is required to undergo a psychological evaluation. Wall also required Calbro to pay a fine of $2,200 and submit restitution in the amount of $44,718 to the Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation.
“The living conditions of the animals under the defendant’s care were truly abhorrent. Those who neglect or abuse animals should be held accountable,” Raoul said. “Due to agencies collaborating at the state and local levels, these animals are now protected, and the individual who showed such disregard for their care and state law has been held accountable.”
Following disturbing observations made in March 2023 relating to the health of animals under Calbro’s care, the Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation seized eight horses, two rabbits and one donkey from Calbro’s property. The animals were kept in cramped quarters without access to adequate food or clean water. All animals were all found to be underweight and showing various signs of emotional and physical neglect, deprivation and lack of care.
Since March 2023, the seized animals have been under the care of the Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation.
Raoul’s office prosecuted this case based on a referral from the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Assistant Attorney General Peter Ravoori prosecuted the case for Raoul’s Criminal Prosecutions and Trials Assistance Bureau.
