ROODHOUSE COUPLE ARRESTED IN ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION; POLICE SEEK HELP FOR EIGHT DOGS

ROODHOUSE, IL — A Greene County couple was arrested following a noise complaint involving barking and howling dogs, and the Roodhouse Police Department is now asking for help caring for eight dogs surrendered to city authorities.

Harleigh E. Burnett, 30, and Robert C. Burnett, 31, both of East Randolph Street in Roodhouse, were booked into the Greene County Jail on September 28 on allegations involving four counts each of cruel treatment to animals. Police Chief Kyle Robison says an officer responded to the home after receiving a complaint about the dogs.

Police say the couple has since relinquished eight dogs to the city. The animals are described as medium to large breeds. The city's animal control facility is not designed for long-term housing, and Chief Robison is seeking help from licensed rescue organizations able to provide veterinary care and find adoptive homes.

Robison says he has consulted with a local veterinarian and developed a care plan for the dogs. The department is also seeking donations of dog food, eight to ten matching galvanized buckets holding two to three gallons of water, bleach, Dawn dish soap and gallon containers of OdoBan disinfectant. Metal buckets are requested because the animals have damaged plastic containers.

Harleigh Burnett was previously cited for animal cruelty in July 2025 and later pleaded guilty to a lesser offense involving animal ownership responsibilities. She was fined, and the court placed limits on the number of animals she could own during a two-year supervision period.

The Burnetts are scheduled to appear in Greene County Circuit Court on November 2. As of October 8, formal charges in the new case had not yet been filed, and the investigation remained ongoing. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Licensed rescue organizations able to assist may contact the Roodhouse Police Department at 217-589-4348. Community members interested in donating supplies may also contact the department.