Editor’s Note: The story below contains graphic details about animal abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
A “horrifying” animal abuse discovery that officials say has sent chills down detectives spines is being investigated in the southeast suburbs, with the Will County Sheriff’s office calling the findings “gruesome” as they ask for the public’s help with any details that could lead to an arrest.
According to a press release, the incident unfolded March 3 after the Will County Sheriff’s office received a call from Will County Animal Protection Services about a possible dog abuse case in Crete Township.
The sheriff’s office said Crete Township highway workers found six deceased dogs, all in trash bags, near Norfolk Avenue and Kings Road.
During a press conference Monday, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said the case sent a “shiver” through his office as the facts were revealed.
“There were six dogs, healthy dogs, which should have been otherwise healthy dogs, thrown in black trash bags – black plastic bags on the side of the road – in such a cruel and sadistic matter,” Glasgow said. “It really made us all take a step backward.”
According to the release, an animal protection officer retrieved the bodies from the highway department and brought them back to the Will County Animal Protection Services shelter. Investigators photographed the deceased dogs and sent out any evidence to be tested for DNA.
Glasgow said the dogs showed “clear signs” of dogfighting, with several bite marks between them and suspected necropsy.
“They were all between 45 and 55 pounds,” he said. “And they were younger. Dogs should have been healthy, in the prime of their life … anyone who would do this do six living things, is an incredibly dangerous person.”
Anna Payton, administrator of Will County Animal Protection Services, said the pitbull-type dogs were “brutalized, killed, and then disposed of like garbage.”
“Research shows that people that engage in this level of animal cruelty are often involved with high level illegal activities, including violence against people,” Payton went on to say.
As of Monday, the sheriff’s office said it has no person of interest, no uncontaminated evidence and no video surveillance to be recovered from the area, which was “heavily wooded.”
“This is where our investigation stands,” the release said.
A $5,000 Crimestoppers award was being offered for any information leading to an arrest, authorities said, as an investigation remains ongoing.
“Our detectives will continue to investigate and look for the proper evidence that will help lead to the proper charges being filed in this case, we need help from the general public, to get justice for these animals,” Jeremy Zdzinicki, Will County Sheriff’s deputy chief, special operations said Monday. “They didn’t deserve to die this way.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to please call Crimestoppers at 800-323-6734 or go to crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/submit-a-tip.
