Shih Tzu Named Jazmine Becomes Animal Cruelty Victim, Joliet Police Announce Dog Owner's Arrest

JOLIET, IL — A seven-week-long investigation by the Joliet Police Department into an allegation of animal cruelty against a small dog has resulted in one charge of cruel treatment of animals for 33-year-old Joliet resident Tarynn Rattliff. The criminal defendant was arrested on Wednesday at the Joliet police station and she has agreed to relinquish custody of her Shih Tzu named Jazmine to the Joliet Township Animal Control, the policy agency indicated.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, back on December 9, at 9:13 a.m., the Joliet Police Department Animal Crimes Team and a representative from Joliet Township Animal Control responded to the Timberline Animal Hospital at 950 Northeast Frontage Road for a possible animal cruelty involving a Shih Tzu named “Jazmine.”

English indicated that Jazmine was brought in for grooming but was found to be in apparent discomfort, requiring sedation to allow for a proper medical evaluation.

"Jazmine was observed to have extensive matting, irritation in sensitive areas, signs of infection, skin irritation, and additional health concerns consistent with possible neglect. The dog was placed into protective custody," English announced.

He said the owner of the dog was identified as Tarynn Rattliff and she later agreed to relinquish custody of Jazmine to Joliet Township Animal Control.

On Wednesday, she was processed at the Joliet Police Department and was released to appear in court at a later date, her arrest report noted.