Police, local rescue foundation save dog which was found left in apartment
by BRIAN NADIG
A man was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after he allegedly had left his dog unattended at his former apartment in the 6200 block of West Montrose Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police.
Officers found the dog about 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, in the building’s attic apartment after the landlord had requested that police conduct a well-being check, according to police. The landlord told officers that the tenant had informed her on Thursday, Aug. 2, that he was leaving the apartment and would not be returning and that it had been about three weeks since she last saw him, police said.
Officers reported that they found dog feces throughout the apartment and that the dog was found in an abnormally thin condition, unable to walk but alert, police said.
Officers transported the dog to the Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center at 7278 N. Milwaukee Ave., where a doctor reported that the dog was “severely emaciated with ribs prominent, muscle wasting, cold to touch, etc. … and that the dog would not have lasted much longer unless lifesaving means were implemented,” according to police.
The dog, which was described by police as a miniature bully and was later given the name “Ethan,” is recovering, and has been assigned a foster home through the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation.
The foundation has an impoundment agreement with the City of Chicago which allows it to take in stray dogs, and the foundation has formed a partnership with Niles Animal Hospital to assist with the medial care for the dogs.
“Thankfully, due to the successful intervention/quick action by (Lieutenant John) Garrido, Ethan was saved in the nick of time from dying a horrific, painful death. The supportive care provided by the staff of Niles Animal Hospital and the Garrido Stray Foundation, this sad situation had a heartwarming conclusion,” the hospital stated in a report issued to the 16th District. Garrido is one of the founders of the foundation.
A subsequent investigation led police to the dog owner’s new residence in the 2900 block of West Irving Park Road, where he signed a release of animal ownership document and was arrested at about 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, police said.
The suspect was identified by police as Andre J. Davis, age 26, of the Irving Park address, police said.
