An Island Lake man has been sentenced to probation after he pleaded guilty to killing a small dog by strangling it and throwing it against a wall during an altercation with a woman.
David A. Dally, 57, of Island Lake, was initially charged in August 2021 with aggravated cruelty to animals, aggravated domestic battery and two counts of domestic battery.
A grand jury later returned a superseding indictment only charging him with two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony.
Dally was arrested on August 14, 2021, after police were called to the man’s home in the 300 block of Newbury Drive in Island Lake.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court said that Dally strangled a small dog and killed it.
The complaint said that Dally also strangled a female household member and grabbed her wrist.
The indictment filed in September 2021 said Dally only grabbed and pushed the woman.
Police observed redness around the woman’s neck area and bruising around her wrist, the complaint said.
At the time of the arrest, Island Lake Police Department Sgt. James Gainer told the Northwest Herald that when officers arrived, Dally picked up the small dog, which was dead, and continued to pet the dog as if it was alive.
When officers pointed out the dog was dead, Dally “just threw it back in the bed carelessly,” Gainer said.
Officers learned that Dally had been arguing with the woman when he strangled the dog and threw it against a wall, Gainer said.
Gainer said Dally then strangled the woman and told her she was “next” as she tried to help the dog, the Herald reported.
A McHenry County judge ordered the man held in the McHenry County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Dally was released from the jail after posting 10% of a $30,000 bond in September 2021.
Court records show Dally entered into a negotiated plea deal with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office on Thursday.
Dally pleaded guilty to the most serious charge against him, aggravated cruelty to animals, and his misdemeanor domestic battery charges were dismissed.
McHenry County Judge Tiffany Davis approved the plea and sentenced Dally to 24 months of probation.
Dally was also sentenced to 54 days in the jail at 50% but was given credit for 27 days already served before posting bond, meaning his jail time has already been completed.
Davis ordered Dally to obtain a mental health evaluation and comply with the recommendations.
Dally was also ordered not to consume illegal drugs and be subject to random drug testing.
Dally could be sentenced to 60 days in jail if he does not successfully complete his probation.