Over one year and 100 federal court dockets later, the case against a local woman for an alleged animal hoarding incident at her Macomb home remains in limbo.
On May 2, 2025, following the approval of an administrative search warrant under Illinois' Humane Care for Animals Act and the Macomb Municipal Code after a police officer's observations of the home earlier in the week, nearly 40 animals were removed from the 13 Hickory Grove home of Heidi Erickson by animal welfare and law enforcement staff. In addition to the 30+ Persian cats, two of which were pregnant, removed from the home, three young chickens and a young English Setter breed canine were also remanded to the animal shelter. Two deceased felines were found in the refrigerator and freezer, and animal remains were found behind the appliance. The shelter initially held and cared for the animals with the help of volunteers; however, they've since been moved to temporary foster homes.
In July of last year, Erickson filed a suit in federal court naming 70 individuals and organizations, including neighbors, the Humane Society volunteers and animal shelter staff, the mayor, police and more. In the suit, which is available for review on PACER, the federal court database, Erickson alleged her civil rights have been violated under 28 U.S.C. 1983 Civil Rights. Since the removal of the animals and homeowner from the residence, and the condemned status of the home, more than 100 docket entries have been filed in U.S. District Court Central District Illinois connected with her lawsuit On May 13, 2026 notice was given to Erickson that a motion of summary judgment was filed against her asking that a judge decide all or part of the case without a trial. Erickson has 21 days to respond to the most recent motion, according to the case documents in PACER.
'If the judge finds that undisputed facts show that you cannot win your case, the judge will grant the motion for summary judgment, dismiss your claims against the movants (the party that filed the motion) and there will not be a trial on the dismissed claims. If the motion for summary judgment resolves all claims, the judge will dismiss your case and enter judgment in the movants' favor.'
Uninhabitable Designation
