Dead Joliet Dog Hanging From Fence Provokes Outrage

JOLIET, IL - A spokesman for the Office of Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow said that prosecutors are still reviewing the case surrounding a dead dog that was found hanging from the fence of its 31-year-old owner's yard on Saturday in Joliet. The dog apparently choked to death after being caught on a metal chain during the freezing winter cold. The Joliet Police Department has charged Amin Hudson, who lives in the 500 block of Dover Street, with a misdemeanor count of cruel treatment to animals in connection with Saturday's gruesome discovery. A letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service saw a dead black dog hanging from the fence on Hudson's property. She immediately called the Joliet Police Department and officers responded to the site.

Will County State's Attorney Spokesman Chuck Pelkie said that it is still an active and ongoing investigation and that a final determination has yet to be made regarding the filing of formal charges against Hudson. The misdemeanor charges brought by Joliet Police were only "the initial charges," Pelkie stressed.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief of Police Edgar Gregory explained that besides the dead dog named Fat Boy, there were a pair of pit bulls in Hudson's yard, both of which had inadequate shelter.

"The two short-haired pit bulls were still alive," he said.

As for the dead dog, Gregory did not know its particular breed but said the dog's name was "Fat Boy."

"The mail carrier found Fat Boy hanging over the fence by the chain," Gregory told Joliet Patch on Wednesday morning.

He said the dog's blood was found on the fence posts, the dog and the dog's collar.

It was clear to Joliet Police that Hudson's dog had died an agonizing death.

"The dog struggled for some time prior to its death," Gregory said.

Here's just a small sampling of readers' reactions to the Joliet Patch article:

• I think the Patch should post the court date for this case and get as many people there to persuade Glasgow to slap this low life with a felony
• I think a lot of people showing up for the court dates against Edward Hanania is why the judge gave him 5 years. He was that sicko that threw 2 dogs off the 5 story parking garage in Oak Lawn.
• Yes, he most definitely should be charged with a felony!!! And should be thrown in jail But, first put him out side naked in the freezing cold and see how he likes it. I'm so tired of hearing these stories.
• I can only hope it’s changed to a felony. Set a precedence! Who can sleep at night knowing they left their dogs outside in these conditions?? Where are the neighbors who could have called someone?!
• Definitely, two of his other dogs could have died , if not for the mail carrier reporting to the police!!!

All three dogs were apparently being kept outside in Hudson's yard, but their dog houses were in terrible shape, Gregory said. The dogs had no food in their bowls and at least one of the bowls contained large chunks of frozen ice, he added.

"Their shelter was in dilapidated condition. The roofs were damaged. The other two dogs were barking, crying for help. They kept lifting their paws because of the cold," he said.

At the time of the dead dog's discovery, Gregory said, the temperature outside was 2 degrees.

"All three of the dogs were on metal chains," according to Gregory. As for Fat Boy, it appeared to police "he got caught up in the fence and choked himself to death."

Related: Brutal Cold Kills 8 Puppies In Illinois

The dog's owner, Amin Hudson, was interviewed by police and surrendered his two other dogs to Animal Control.

The pending charge against Hudson is a misdemeanor, but Gregory pointed out that the Will County State's Attorney's Office would make the final determination on the filing of the formal criminal charges against the Dover Street resident.

"It could turn out to be a felony," he said.

Incidentally, it was one year ago when Joliet Patch published a story about a pit bull in Joliet that was found hanging from a fence, over on Charlesworth Avenue. The 1-year-old male, named Lucky, was outside with no food or water while the temperature was only 22 degrees, police said.

That dog's owner, 63-year-old Heriberto Chavez, was charged with animal cruelty.

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