Accused Dog Thrower's Attorney Requests Pre-Sentencing Investigation

OAK LAWN, IL -- The Oak Lawn man accused of throwing two dogs off a parking tower will remain in Cook County Jail for the time being. Edward Hanania, 23, appeared before Cook County Judge Colleen Hyland Thursday morning for a status hearing.

Hanania has been charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty after police said he tossed two poodles off the top floor of a 5-story parking garage on the Oak Lawn campus of Advocate Christ Medical Center last month. One of the dogs died of his injuries; the other dog survived and is currently recovering surgery to repair his broken leg.

Animal advocates and a representative from Safe Humane Chicago, which tracks animal abuse cases in the Cook County courts, packed the benches inside Judge Hyland’s Bridgeview courtroom. Bail on the animal cruelty charges was set at $350,000 with ten percent to apply. He is currently being held without bond for allegedly violating probation on an unrelated drug case.

In a possible sign of a plea agreement, Hanania’s attorney, Terrence , called for a 402 conference in the judge’s chamber. Such a conference can signal a settlement of sorts. The defense attorney and prosecutor meet alone with the judge to discuss possible dispositions of the case.

The judge hears additional facts of the case that would be brought out in trial, as well as the defendant’s prior criminal background. The judge also hears the good things a defendant has done with his or her life, including education, employment history and other social background that would typically come out in sentencing following a conviction. The judge may also recommend a sentencing range if a defendant decides to plead guilty without going to trial.
“You’re free to accept my recommendation,” Judge Hyland told Hanania. “If you reject my recommendation this case goes to trial, you cannot ask for a new judge.”

Hanania indicated that he understood. After meeting in the judge’s chamber, Leferver asked for the 402 conference to be continued. The judge also requested a pre-sentencing report before the conference continues on July 28. Judge Hyland also put off Hanania’s bond review his next court hearing. It is not known at this time if the judge made an offer to Hanania.

After the hearing, the prosecutor meet in the hall with the animal rights advocates, most of them volunteers with various pet rescue organizations. She told the group that the judge “knows there’s a community out there.”

Should Hanania be convicted, he faces a sentence of probation to a maximum of six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

COVER PHOTO: Angel, the poodle who survived a five-story drop from a parking tower.