When investigators walked into a home in the 15400 block of Campbell Drive in Harvey on May 14, they found what the owner had reportedly left behind after moving out: two adult pit bull mix dogs and a dozen newborn puppies, alone in an empty house.
According to CBS Chicago, Cook County Sheriff's Office investigators and Cook County Animal Control discovered one adult male, one adult female, and 12 pit bull mix puppies that appeared to be less than a week old during the May 14 visit. All of the dogs were removed from the property and taken into care.
The entire group was transferred to the South Suburban Humane Society in Matteson, where staff are now working to stabilize and care for the animals as they recover and wait for new homes. The shelter lists its adoption hotline as (708) 755-7387.
What the law says about abandonment
Illinois' Humane Care for Animals Act makes it unlawful for an owner to “abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger or exposure,” according to Justia. Courts can impose penalties and order forfeiture of animals upon conviction, and the law also allows authorities to remove animals that are kept in dangerous or harmful conditions.
The statute further permits courts to bar offenders from owning animals in the future, a tool that can be used in serious neglect or abandonment cases.
Shelter care and adoption details
The South Suburban Humane Society says the Harvey dogs are now housed at its Matteson facility, where they are receiving veterinary care and foster support as the puppies gain strength. The organization notes on its site that it has logged nearly 4,000 adoptions in 2025 and runs extensive low-cost clinic services, all while handling intake for cases like this one.
For now, staff are focused on day-to-day care and eventual placement, as the adult dogs and puppies are evaluated and prepared for adoption.
Other recent rescues in the region
The Harvey rescue is part of a broader pattern that has put serious strain on South Side and south suburban animal resources. Earlier this spring, nearly 20 severely neglected dogs were removed from a Grand Crossing home, a case that highlighted the volume of calls coming in to local agencies, as reported by CBS Chicago.
Officials say anyone who sees animals in distress in Cook County should contact their local animal control office or the Cook County Sheriff's Office. People with information specific to the Harvey case can also call the South Suburban Humane Society, which is asking for adopters, foster volunteers, and donations as it cares for the two adults and 12 puppies while they recover and are evaluated for permanent homes.
