Dead dogs discovered at Chicago-area animal hospital

DOLTON, Ill. -- A suburban Chicago animal hospital is under investigation after a police officer found four dead dogs at the facility, Cook County authorities said.

A Dolton officer discovered the dogs when he brought a stray to the Dolton Animal Hospital on Sunday, Sheriff's Deputy Chief Michael Anton said. The officer also found nine dogs and one cat in "various stages of emaciation," Anton said. Cages lacked food and water and were covered in waste, he said.

The county animal control removed deceased and living animals from the privately-run facility Sunday. At least two of the animals had owners.

"It's a sad situation, but we'll look into it and get back to you if there's anything more," said Dr. Amardeep Sangha told CBS Chicago, describing what happened inside his hospital.

Sangha says he's been in business for 20 years. He says some of the animals are strays brought to him by the town, in many cases already sick and dying.

Tina Robinson said she boarded her dog, Duke, at the facility in July. Robinson said when she left the dog, Duke was healthy, but the Rottweiler died during the week she was away.

Robinson said she reported her concerns to local officials, who responded that nothing could be done.

Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers said an inspector visited the hospital a few days ago. The owners were cited for an unspecified violation, but the inspector only looked at the outside of the facility and didn't go inside.