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AARON RICE, dog trainer, arrested and nineteen dogs removed from a Will County home

Writer: voiceforusvoiceforus

- Illinois, USA -


On March 27, 2025, 36-year-old AARON RICE (pictured), turned himself into the Will County Sheriff’s Office on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, and violating owners duties.


Prosecutors say RICE ran a dog training business from his home in the 100 block of Willow Bend Drive.

According to prosecutors, a woman had contracted RICE for a four-week training program and on January 23, 2025, she handed over to him her Great Dane named Freya.

While Freya was in RICE’s care, her mom kept asking RICE for pictures and updates on her training progress but never received any.


On January 31, 2025, RICE contacted Freya’s mom to tell her that Freya was not eating. He did not disclose the whole truth; he just said that Freya was having difficulty standing.


On the same day, Freya was taken to an emergency hospital in critical condition. Veterinarians reported that her condition suggested she had been starved and confined in a space too small for her size.


The Bolingbrook Police Department was alerted and officers were dispatched to RICE’s home to investigate possible animal cruelty.


Following an investigation, a search warrant was obtained and executed on March 14, 2025. The search led to the discovery of nineteen (19) dogs who were removed and taken to the police animal care facility.


Police told Voice For Us most of the dogs showed “signs of malnourishment” and specifically “two adult dogs and five puppies were taken to a local veterinarian for various injuries and signs of possible infection.”


On March 19, 2025, a warrant was issued for RICE’s arrest. At the time of writing, online records show that RICE is being held into the Will County Adult Detention Facility. According to court records, RICE’s preliminary hearing is set for April 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from information received by the Bolingbrook Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.


RICE’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Will County Sheriff’s Office




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