76 Dogs Rescued from Condemned Lemont Home as Owner Faces Animal Cruelty and Weapons Charges

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Authorities rescued 76 dogs living in hazardous hoarding conditions inside a home and garage on McCarthy Road on Thursday.

The law enforcement operation took place in the 800 block of McCarthy Road in Lemont, Cook County, Illinois 60439, United States. Marissa Perlman and Sara Tenenbaum reported on the investigation for CBS Chicago on October 23, 2026.

Lemont police officers initially arrived at the property to execute a search warrant tied to a firearms restraining order issued by a Cook County judge.

Upon assessing the severe hoarding environment and safety risks, officers called for assistance from Cook County Animal Control and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Unit.

Multiple regional animal control agencies and local rescues, including Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue, assisted in safely capturing and removing the animals. The residential structure was declared unlivable and subsequently condemned by local officials.

Police arrested 58-year-old homeowner Andrew Malak, recovering three weapons from the property. Malak was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty as well as felony weapons charges before being released pending a scheduled court appearance in Bridgeview on Monday.

Rescuers described chaotic conditions inside the residence, where overwhelming fumes forced responders to cover their faces.

Local shelters and foster networks have taken in the rescued dogs for medical evaluations, care, and future placement, while neighborhood residents urge village officials to enact animal limit ordinances to prevent similar hoarding situations.

Reflections:

• Multi-agency coordination between police and specialized animal control is critical when handling large-scale hoarding cases.
• Firearms restraining order executions can unexpectedly uncover severe animal welfare emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
• Overwhelming toxic fumes in hoarding environments present serious health hazards to both animals and first responders.
• Condemning uninhabitable properties protects public health and prevents further animal containment in dangerous settings.
• Local rescue networks and foster homes play an indispensable role in providing immediate care for traumatized animals.
• Municipal pet ownership ordinances help provide local governments with the legal authority to intervene before hoarding escalates.

Source: CBS Chicago (Marissa Perlman, Sara Tenenbaum) and Lemont Police Department