Bridgeview Man Accused Of Slashing Dog's Throat

BRIDGEVIEW, IL -- A Bridgeview man is accused of slashing the family dog’s throat. Ishaq Atik, 19, appeared before Cook County Judge John Gallagher on a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty. The dog was brought to Animal Welfare League where the dog was later pronounced dead.

Police responded to a home in the 8500 block of South 78th Street around 8:37 a.m. Oct. 18. While at the residence, they found a Labrador Retriever with its throat slashed. The dog was having difficulty breathing, so it was brought to Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge. The dog received 30 stitches but later died, the prosecutor said.

Atik was arrested on Oct. 30. The assistant public defender told the judge that Atik has a history of mental illness and has been treated for schizophrenia. Atik’s mother wanted to bring him home where his medicine is, and did not feel threatened by him. The attorney asked the judge to consider an I-bond.

“This is probably related more to mental illness,” the assistant public defender said.

“This is a very violent allegation which concerns the court,” Gallagher said. “I’m reluctant to let him go on an I-bond.”

Bail was set at $50,000 and electronic monitoring should he bond out. Atik was ordered to not have any contact with companion animals. Atik’s next court date is Nov. 28.