4 arrested in 2 separate animal cruelty cases in Paxton

PAXTON, Ill. (WAND) - Four people were arrested in two separate animal cruelty cases in Paxton.

The Paxton police chief told WAND News his officers were called to a house near S. American and W. Patton on Jan. 23 at 10:40 p.m. for a report of a dog that had been left outside all day with no food, water or shelter.

Two people there, 23-year-old Madison Shaw of Paxton and 22-year-old Mickel Grice of Rantoul, both told officers the dog had been left outside for at least nine and a half hours. That dog and another dog were taken by the police department and brought to Daisy Mae Kennels.

Shaw and Grice were arrested for animal cruelty and taken to the Ford County Jail.

The owner of the property, 21-year-old Justin Akers Jr. of Paxton, showed up to the jail a short time later.

He was also arrested on animal cruelty charges.

In a separate incident, on Jan. 13, Paxton police were called to a home near N. Union and E. Pine around 7 p.m. for malnourished dogs.

Paxton PD said 53-year-old James Phelps had four dogs. They said one did appear malnourished. Two others looked fine. Phelps told them the dog that was malnourished would not put on weight, and his fourth dog had recently died.

Officers told Phelps he had to have the dogs check out by a veterinarian and get required shots. Ten days later, they said he still had not reached out to a vet.

On Jan. 23, officers searched his home, took all three dogs and brought them to Daisy Mae Kennels. The fourth dog was found dead inside the house.

The Paxton police chief told WAND News Phelps threatened one of the officers while he was executing the search warrant.

Phelps was arrested and charged with cruel treatment of animals, aggravated cruelty to animals, threatening a public official, failure to provide humane care, and possession of a controlled substance.

He was taken to the Ford County Jail.

Illinois Supreme Court rules Grain Belt Express project can resume

Testimony to get underway in trial of man charged with murdering 2-year-old