A 48-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the abuse and abandonment of a dog found in Willow Springs, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
On Feb. 17 an emaciated and severely dehydrated male pit bull mix was found in a garbage bag on the side of the road in Willow Springs. The dog was initially taken to Countryside Veterinary Center in Countryside and later transported to the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights, where the staff there named him Vinny.
Sheriff’s Police launched an investigation on Feb. 19 at the request of Cook County Animal and Rabies Control. During their investigation, officers learned that the dog was last in the possession of Janiel Mixon, of Justice.
Mixon was arrested on Feb. 28 and subsequently charged with cruel treatment of an animal and violating the owner’s duties statute, both misdemeanors. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear for an initial hearing on April 27 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
Vinny is currently recovering at South Suburban Humane Society.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the government in a court of law.