Decatur Woman Faces Jury Trial on Dog Cruelty
Andrea A. Caldwell, 29, is charged with cruelty and neglect involving two pet dogs and denies all accusations.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Dogs
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Andrea A. Caldwell, 29, of Decatur faces a jury trial in Macon County Circuit Court on charges of cruelty to two pet dogs. Circuit Court Judge Jack Kiley scheduled the trial for Dec. 15, and Caldwell denies all accusations.
Why it matters
The case centers on alleged failures to provide food, water, shelter, and veterinary care to dogs kept in Decatur, a local matter with a formal criminal process. The outcome will test how animal-cruelty and animal-owner-duty charges are applied in Macon County.
The charges comprise two counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of failing to perform animal owner duties, with one dog reportedly kept on a lead less than 10 feet long. Caldwell was arrested Oct. 13 and has denied all accusations, so the allegations remain unproven pending trial.
The players
Andrea A. Caldwell
A 29-year-old Decatur resident charged with cruelty and neglect offenses involving two pet dogs, who denies all accusations.
Jack Kiley
A Macon County Circuit Court judge who scheduled the jury trial for Dec. 15 in the case.
The details
Caldwell is accused of failing to provide a dog called Big Mama with adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and humane treatment, and of leaving her exposed to the elements. She is also charged with neglecting the shelter and veterinary needs of a second dog, King.
Timeline
Oct. 13: Caldwell was arrested.
Dec. 15: A jury trial is scheduled in Macon County Circuit Court.
Pet Care Standards
The charges are brought under Illinois statutes that define cruelty to animals and the duties owners owe their pets, placing this Decatur case within the state's animal-welfare enforcement framework. The trial will show how those provisions apply to tethering and basic-care allegations in a local court.
Dog owners in Decatur are reminded that leaving pets tethered on short leads or without adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care can lead to criminal charges. The case highlights the basic care obligations owners carry under state law.
The takeaway
Basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and veterinary care are legal obligations for pet owners, not optional courtesies. Anyone concerned about a neglected animal can contact local animal control or law enforcement.
What happens next
A jury trial in this case is scheduled for Dec. 15 in Macon County Circuit Court.
Further reading
Find more on Dogs care and welfare in the Decatur area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Herald-Review.
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