Dog Euthanized After Being Beaten, Tortured, Burned

ELGINS, IL — An Elgin man faces felony charges after a dog left in his care was so badly beaten and tortured that it had to be euthanized, Kane County officials said. Gonzalo Villagomez, 27, is charged with animal torture and aggravated cruelty to animals.

Kane County prosecutors say that between July 9 and 10, Villagomez inflicted "severe and extensive injuries" to a 2-year-old Rottweiler that had been left in his care for about a day. The dog was in good health when her owner left her with Villagomez, according to officials.

When the owner returned home, the dog wasn't moving and had blood coming from her mouth and ears. Elgin police took the dog to an animal clinic, where she was euthanized to end her suffering.

A necropsy showed that the dog suffered injuries to her abdomen, throat and head, along with a lacerated liver. The dog had fluid in its lungs consistent with blunt force trauma, authorities said, and had burns over 25 percent of her body.

Villagomez appeared Aug. 7 in court, where Judge Michael Noland set his bail at $200,000. He would have to pay 10 percent, or$20,000, to be released and remained in custody as of Tuesday morning.

Villagomez is due back in court Aug. 14.