Man Beat Dog With Belt, Causing Serious Injuries: Police

WOODRIDGE, IL — A Cook County man is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after police say he severely beat a 7-year-old dog with a belt on Saturday. DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin called the beating "incomprehensible," saying it left the small dog with extremely serious injuries.

Woodridge Police received a call Saturday evening from VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital in Downers Grove, where staff said the shih tzu, named Bella, had been abused. Police said they learned the dog's owner brought the injured animal to the hospital with her boyfriend, identified as Lewiel Irmani, 25, of Matteson.

Police said when the girlfriend arrived home from work on Saturday, she found Bella lying lifeless in the corner. Police say when Irmani was home alone with the dog, she went to the bathroom on the floor, at which point Irmani "whooped her in the mouth" five times with a belt.

Veterinarians said Bella suffered from three rib fractures on the right side and air pocketing under the skin, as well as rib fractures on the left side, a fracture to the left eye socket, a bleeding broken incisor tooth, bruising around the dorsal pelvis and a bleeding back molar tooth broken in the gum line. The injuries left Bella unable to close her mouth, and she can now only take food or water via a syringe, authorities said.

Bella was treated for her injuries and both she and the couple’s other dog are now at Naperville Animal Control.

"The fact that someone would strike a defenseless animal is incomprehensible," Berlin said. "We take charges of animal cruelty very seriously and anyone accused of such acts will face serious felony charges. Thanks to the outstanding care Bella received however, while she still has a way to go, she appears to be on the road to recovery."

Berlin thanked the Woodridge Police Department as well as Naperville Animal Control and the animal hospital, calling the case "very disturbing" and "upsetting."

Woodridge Chief of Police Brian Cunningham said the complaint of animal cruelty "is taken very seriously" by police.

The state asked for a bond of $150,000, but Judge Joshua Dieden set bond at $20,000, meaning Irmani would have to post 10 percent, or $2,000, to be released.

Irmani’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 5 for arraignment in front of Judge Alex McGimpsey.