A 48-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the abuse and abandonment of a dog found in Willow Springs, according to Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart.
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 the 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, according to Dart.
She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear for an initial hearing on April 27 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
In a Facebook post, South Suburban Humane Society revealed more of the dog’s story. Called Vinny by shelter staff when he came in, they have discovered the dog’s name is really Max.
The post said Max was separated from his owner, whose identity was not revealed, under extenuating circumstances. They are working to reunite Max with his true owner. Until then, he continues to recover at the Chicago Heights shelter.
Related story:
- Abused pit bull recovers locally after roadside rescue (Feb. 22, 2020)