DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Pets are meant for love, companionship and happiness, but for one couple in Macon County, that wasn’t the case.

Two individuals are facing charges of animal cruelty after animal control uncovered what they describe as a “heartbreaking scene.” Authorities were initially alerted to the residence for a burglary, but upon arrival, they found two deceased dogs on the premises.

“They still feel emotion, they still feel pain, they still feel all that stuff, and they still can have trauma,” Paul King said.

King is from Decatur and is a animal lover.

“I absolutely hate when people abuse animals or be cruel to animals because, I mean, they’re just living beings just like us,” King added.

Race Chapman and Angela Powell are charged with animal cruelty in Macon County. Officials stated the incident occurred on May 29, beginning with an atypical call.

“The residents contacted the Decatur Police Department to report a burglary. Upon arrival, Decatur Police discovered signs of animal neglect,” stated Sergeant Ron Atkins.

Atkins reported that they discovered two dead dogs, feces dispersed throughout the home, and no available water or power. Animal control was able to rescue 16 live animals from the site.

“The public would be surprised by how common it is,” Atkins said.

He mentioned that they handle over 4,000 service calls annually, with about half related to animal cruelty issues. Sergeant Atkins reflected on the matter personally, noting he, too, is an animal owner.

“The chihuahua I have was found roaming in the winter. It weighed just 8 pounds. Had it not been found when it was, it would have likely frozen to death quickly,” Atkins shared.

That’s why for the past three years he makes it his duty to prevent these situations from happening.

“Animal cruelty ranges from misdemeanors to felonies, to city ordinance violations. It is a serious crime. And we do take it seriously,” Atkins said.

He says Chapman will appear in court again Sept. 23 and Powell will go back on Sept. 2.

WCIA talked to organizations who said they see these crimes daily — and it’s their mission to stop theses situations from occurring