A local case against a former Macomb woman, whose current address is a P.O. box in DeKalb, for an alleged animal hoarding incident at her Macomb home remains up in the air while a case in federal court continues on.
In July 2025, a few months after her 13 Hickory Grove home was deemed uninhabitable and almost 40 animals were removed from the trash- and feces-filled home, Heidi 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, well over 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 care without a trial. Erickson had 21 days to respond to the most recent motion, according to the case documents in PACER.
On July 6, the District Judge Sara Darrow ruled that the briefing was suspended, noting: 'You have failed to file appellant's brief within the required time and no motion for an extension of time within which to file appellant's brief has been made pursuant to Circuit Rule 26. IT IS ORDERED that you, as appellant, show cause within fourteen (14) days of the date of this order why this appeal should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution, pursuant to Circuit Rule 31(c)(2). IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that briefing is SUSPENDED pending further court order. Please caption your response: 'RESPONSE TO RULE TO SHOW CAUSE FOR APPELLANT.' A Response to Rule to Show Cause is due by July 20.
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, the animals were removed from her home 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 for care.
Upon execution of the warrant on the second day of May 2025, the property was deemed uninhabitable. In a Sept. 24, 2025 meeting of the Macomb Zoning Board of Appeals, the uninhabitable designation was upheld after being challenged by Erickson.
In addition to the ordinance violations from the city, State's Attorney Matt Kwacala continues to investigate the situation to determine if criminal charges will be filed.
