Joliet Dog Owner Goes To Jail, 5 Dogs Confiscated

JOLIET, IL — A 40-year-old Joliet man who lives on the city's east side has been charged with 20 criminal offenses in connection with allegations of animal cruelty. Daniel J. Lopez, of the 400 block of Irving Street, is accused of mistreating five of his dogs. The animals were kept outside in frigid weather and covered with urine and feces, according to Joliet Police.

Police were first notified of the situation on Jan 22. During the noon hour, officers went to the Lopez property at the request of the Joliet Animal Control. The property is near Collins Street.

"The dogs were located outside without proper shelter during freezing temperatures. The dogs had no water or food. The cages where the dogs were living were cover urine and feces," police reports indicate.

The Joliet Animal Control agency confiscated the dogs from Lopez and on Feb. 15, around 10:30 a.m., Joliet Police apprehended Lopez on an arrest warrant. He faces a total of 20 criminal offenses at the Will County Courthouse, all charges related to animal cruelty and violation of owner's duties.

Lopez spent five days in the Will County Jail before finally coming up with 10 percent of his bail, which was set at $5,000, jail records note. He was released from custody last Tuesday night, Feb. 19.