A 4-month-old puppy is safe and recovering after she was seriously injured by a McHenry man who struck her, causing her to become unconscious and suffer bleeding, authorities said.
The McHenry Police Department responded around 12:23 p.m. last Wednesday to the Hillcrest Apartments in the 1900 block of North Orleans Street in McHenry.
McHenry Police Department Public Affairs Officer Michael Spohn said a neighbor called 911 because they were concerned after hearing a dog yelping.
Officers arrived and heard a dog yelping and crying inside an apartment.
They spoke with the owner, Joseph L. Lekics II, 32, who resides at the apartment complex.
The officer asked to see the dog and observed it was unconscious and bleeding from the mouth, Spohn said.
The dog, a 4-month-old female Alaskan Husky, was also drooling and having trouble breathing. Court documents say the dog had swollen eyes.
Lekics was placed under arrest for animal cruelty and the dog was transported to an animal hospital in Crystal Lake for treatment.
It was unknown how long the dog was initially unconscious, Spohn said. A police report said the dog was in and out of consciousness while being transported to the hospital.
Lekics is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony, court records show.
A criminal complaint said Lekics caused the serious injuries to the puppy by striking it.
The McHenry Police Department said in an update Wednesday the puppy is resting comfortably and is safe.
She is in protective custody and the investigating officer on the case is in touch daily with the dog’s case worker, the department said.
McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge ordered Lekics held on a $15,000 bond during a hearing Thursday.
Police said the puppy is not available for fostering yet because she needs to be in a secure location for the duration of the investigation.
“Protective custody is the safest place for her to heal,” the department said.
Police officials say that residents looking for ways to help animals should look for reputable rescue groups and animal shelters to adopt from.
Lekics remains held in the McHenry County Jail and would need to post $1,500 cash in order to be released.