ROCKFORD - June 16 - There are so many questions and not enough answers in this case of animal abuse. Winnebago County Animal Services discovered 19 champion dogs starved to death and deserted on Monday.

Annette Peterson says she bought her dogs from the man accused of starving several prize schnauzers and leaving them to die. I last saw him on January 31st. He was going on vacation and was supposed to return on February 11th. I don’t understand how this could have happened, he loved those dogs.

The landlord discovered the gruesome mess of dead carcasses when he went to check on the residence. The home is left in shambles. Neighbors had no idea that these dogs were being tortured to a slow death.

In all, 19 dogs were starved to their deaths. Most of them were found in their cages in the garage, but others were found stuffed in the bathtub with shampoo poured over their bodies to disguise the smell.

Investigators say the dogs’ owner, Allen Miller, raised and groomed the prize pets. Matt Stacy, Winnebago County Animal Services, says he was an elite member of the American Kennel Club. AKC dogs go for at least $600 to $1000. Some even more than that.

Animal services members say the canines probably died in February. Annette Peterson may have been one of the last to talk with Allen Miller. He sold me two of his prize schnauzers and I needed to talk to him when he got back from vacation on February 11th, but he never came back.

If Miller is located, he will not face cruelty to animal charges. Leaders at the Winnebago County Animal Services say because the bodies of the dogs are badly decomposed, they wont’ be able to prove anyone abused the animals. Although cruelty charges can not be filed, those responsible can face charges of illegal disposal of their bodies.