Animal Cruelty Charges For Joliet Man Who Owns 'Buddy'

JOLIET, IL — A Will County judge set bail at $75,000 for a 59-year-old Joliet man facing several felony charges of cruelty to animals after Joliet police say Billy Ray Wright left his pit bull named Buddy outside in the frigid cold earlier this month.

"It was determined the dog’s chain was frozen to the ground and the dog appeared to be suffering from a serious skin infection near its neck," Joliet police announced Friday.

On Thursday night, Joliet police went to Wright's house and took him away in handcuffs. He is now being lodged in the Will County Jail facing three counts of cruel treatment of animals and violation of owner’s duties.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, Joliet squad cars rolled up to Wright's house in the 1300 block of Clark Street for a report of a dog being left outside in the cold. Joliet officers interviewed Wright at the scene since he was the dog's owner, police reports show.

"It was determined the dog was outside in a doghouse with no food, water, or other items to stay warm. The temperature at the time was 19 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of 9 degrees Fahrenheit," Joliet police announced.

According to Joliet police, Wright refused to care for his dog. On Feb. 11, a Will County animal control officer took custody of Wright's dog.

On Thursday, the Will County State’s Attorney Office of Jim Glasgow approved the criminal charges and a judge issued a bench warrant for Wright's arrest.

"Officers contacted Wright at his residence and placed him into custody without incident," Joliet police reports show.