Alleged Elevator Dog Kicker Charged With Animal Cruelty

Security video of dog-walker Jonathon Stenholt kicking dog in an elevator. Stenholt was arrested Thursday following an investigation by Chicago Police Animal Crimes Unit.

The man caught on security video kicking a beagle in a West Loop elevator has been identified as the owner of a dog-walking service. Jonathon Stenholt, 39, of the 5000 block of West Waveland Avenue, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Police were called to the Catalyst Apartments in the 100 block of Desplaines Avenue on Tuesday morning, when the building’s security staff showed officers the shocking video that has since gone viral. The building staff were advised to follow up with the dog’s owner to file a police report, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The video shows the Stenholt with two leashed dogs — the beagle and a small, white dog. Another man gets off the elevator, Stenholt kicks the beagle as it cowers in the corner.

Stenholt is the owner of Alone at Home Pet Care. When the video became public earlier this week, Stenholt sent an email apologizing to his customers and calling himself a “despicable individual,” while announcing that he would be closing his business immediately.

Stenholt was arrested Thursday at Area 1 District Headquarters following an investigation by the Chicago Police Animal Crimes Team, Police News Affairs said.

Meanwhile, reviewers unleashed their outrage on Yelp, including one jokester from Beverly Hills, CA, who wrote:

“Luckily I found Jon, the owner of Alone at Home Pet Care. Jon assured me he would beat the snot out of that little furbag as much as I desired…

A former customer showed some compassion for Stenholt, stating that up until the video, she was happy with his services.

“Jon displayed nothing by care and compassion for our dog while in our condo … However, there is no excuse for his actions in the video. Before this tidal wave of public lynching, he sent an email to all his clients deeply apologizing … He fully owned up to this deplorable act … I would like to see him get the mental help he needs, as I feel like he must have some big anger management issues. In my mind, justice has been served. “

Stenholt’s next court appearance in July 1.